News 11:00

BULLETIN 28 February 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Israel launches a preventative strike against Iran
# Five political parties declare donations of 35-million-rand
# And golf: Italy’s Francesco Laporta is surging into a one-shot lead at the SA Open

# Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday, pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation. Iranian media reports explosions were heard in Tehran and sirens sounded across Israel this morning. The attack comes after Israel and Iran engaged in a 12-day air war in June, and follows repeated U.S.-Israeli warnings that they would strike again if Iran pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. An Israeli defence official said the operation had been planned for months in coordination with Washington.

# The Electoral Commission has published political party donation declarations for 1 September to 31 December 2025. Five parties reported 35-million-rand collectively, led by the DA with 31.3-million-rand. The ANC declared two-million-rand, ActionSA 1.47-million-rand, Build one South Africa 103-thousand-481-rand, and Inkatha Freedom Party 158-thousand-330-rand. Some donations were late, prompting Commission directives under the Political Funding Act. The disclosure follows revised thresholds, with transparency and compliance central to upcoming electoral monitoring ahead of the 2026/27 local government elections.

# Justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says new justice measures will take effect on 1 March 2026, including regulations placing the  Investigating Directorate Against Corruption under oversight within the National Prosecuting Authority. Spokesperson Terrence Manase says retired Judge Takalani Raulinga will head the complaints mechanism, while Judge Mojapelo has been assigned to the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act. Retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe will be appointed as president of the Special Tribunal, strengthening accountability and anti-corruption efforts:

# Eskom says 166-thousand-829 customers are no longer affected by load-reduction during peak periods. This as part of efforts to curb illegal connections and infrastructure protection. The utility has removed 128 feeders from load-reduction, representing 47-percent of its year-end target. More than 426-thousand smart meters have been installed nationwide. Eskom aims to eliminate load-reduction entirely by 2027, targeting nearly 1.7-million customers across the country.

# The City of Tshwane has approved an additional eight-million-rand funding for the Tshwane Market, raising the total 2025/26 capital investment to 13-million-rand. Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development, Sarah Mabotsa, says the funds will install new cold storage racking and improve operational efficiency. She emphasised that the upgrades aim to accommodate growing trade volumes, enhance revenue, and strengthen Tshwane Market’s role as a major fresh produce in southern Africa:

# And golf: Italy’s Francesco Laporta surged into a one-shot lead going into the 3rd round of the South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club today. Laporta carded a brilliant 64 to reach 10-under-par overall. He is closely followed by England’s Nathan Kimsey at 9-under. The local challenge is spearheaded by Dean Burmester, who sits in third place at 8-under-par after a steady second-round 67. Meanwhile, Hennie du Plessis stole the headlines on Friday by setting a new course record with a sensational 7-under-par 63, moving him into a tie for fourth.

Stay tuned for more news………….