News 11:00

BULLETIN 22 August 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A political analyst says the ANCs support has declined at local government level
# Border police seize 2.1-million-rand’s illegal cigarettes
# And, a last minute try saves the Lions from defeat against the Sharks in a Currie Cup thriller

# Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast says the ANC selection of mayoral candidates this weekend is important as the party has suffered a significant decline in support at local government level. The ANC is launching its 2026 Local Government Elections Manifesto this weekend in Diepsloot, Gauteng. Breakfast told the SABC that the party has struggled with service delivery and governance. He however credited the party for shaping the local government framework:

# Border police and joint tactical teams have intensified operations against cigarette smuggling, intercepting several multimillion-rand contraband shipments. At Beitbridge, a 44-year-old foreign national was arrested after 460 boxes of illicit cigarettes, valued at about 2.1-million-rand, were allegedly found hidden in a freight truck. Similar seizures worth around two-million-rand have been reported at Groblersbridge and Mabeskraal. Authorities say the operations form part of an intensified crackdown on cross-border trafficking.

# Eskom has received final payment from the City of Johannesburg and City Power, settling accumulated overdue electricity debt of more than 5.25-billion-rand in full. The utility says the city’s July 2026 electricity account, worth 1.86-billion-rand, will be paid by its 31 August due date. Eskom has consequently withdrawn its process to interrupt electricity supply. The utility spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says the agreement supports its financial sustainability and reliable electricity supply:

# The Cape Peninsula University of Technology SRC is calling for an investigation into the institution’s financial management, following weeks of protests and the suspension of academic programmes. SRC president Liyabulela Gela says students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are bearing the brunt of alleged financial mismanagement. Gela told the SABC that they want transparent financial assessments and inclusive talks with management and the Department of Higher Education:

# The Lions drew 22-all against the Sharks-15 in a thrilling Currie Cup clash at the Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg yesterday. The Sharks appeared to have secured victory when Meno Barnard scored in the 76th minute, putting them 22-17 ahead. However, Lions fullback Gilermo Mentoe scored after the final whistle to level the match. Both sides claimed a valuable point. Griquas are still top of the log, followed by the Cheetahs, Pumas, while Boland Kavaliers are sharing the fourth place with the Stormers-23.

# Four tourists are being sought after taking an unauthorised stroll into the Kruger National Park — through a game fence. News24 reports that the group, including a teenager, entered the park from the Marloth Park area and walked along the banks of the Crocodile River. A video of the incident was shared on social media, prompting authorities to identify the group. They could face fines for entering the park illegally. Officials warned walking in the Kruger without proper protection is extremely dangerous, with visitors potentially encountering lions, elephants and other wild animals.

Stay tuned for more news………….