News 11:00

BULLETIN 25 January 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The FF Plus urges action against the Expropriation Act
# Coal and metal exporters are to invest billions in Transnet’s rail repairs
# And rugby: The Blitzboks lose against Argentina and get Fiji in the Perth quarters

# The Freedom Front Plus has called on political parties in Parliament to challenge the newly signed Expropriation Act. Party leader Pieter Groenewald criticised president Cyril Ramaphosa for bypassing proper consultation, labelling the Act unconstitutional and harmful to property rights. He warns that the Act could deter international investment and vowed to push for a compliant amendment:

However, Parliament’s portfolio committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has welcomed president Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Bill into law. Repealing the 1975 Act, the Act aligns with the Constitution, enabling land expropriation for public interest with just compensation. Speaking to eNCA, chairperson, Carol Phiri, says the Act ensures negotiations and allows mediation or court resolution for disputes. She emphasised that the Act promotes inclusivity:

# South African coal and iron-ore exporters, including firms like Glencore and Anglo American, are negotiating agreements with Transnet to invest billions in repairing rail infrastructure. The collapse of freight-rail lines due to poor maintenance and theft caused coal exports to drop to a 30 year low in 2023. According to Bloomberg, Transnet estimates 64.5-billion-rand is needed over five years to restore all lines. The government plans to allow private operators on these tracks by April to boost exports and revenue.

# Rugby: A comeback by the South African men’s sevens side in the second half against Argentina in Perth wasn’t enough to make up for a terrible first half, and they lost their last Pool A game 19-17 to the South Americans. South Africa’s tries came from Quewin Nortje, Selwyn Davids and Shilton van Wyk, with a conversion by Ronald Brown. Matteo Graziano, Marcos Moneta and Matias Osadczuk scored tries for Argentina, with two conversions by Joaquin Pellandini. The Blitzboks are next up against Fiji in the quarterfinals just after 12.

# And Stellenbosch Business School has named Chris van der Hoven as its new senior director. Van der Hoven previously led the school’s executive development arm and brings extensive international experience, including roles at Cranfield School of Management and Cambridge University. Van der Hoven says the business school will prioritise employability and transformative impact under his guidance. Vice-Chancellor Wim de Villiers praised Van der Hoven’s leadership and vision for innovation.

Stay tuned for more news………….