News 13:00

BULLETIN 24 February 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Bhengu-Motsiri is confident ANC supporters will rise up to defend the party
# Ukraine is on the defensive as Russia’s war enters its third year
# And, soccer: Banyana moves closer to Olympic qualifying with 3-0 win over Tanzania

# ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri has expressed confidence in winning the elections at the party’s manifesto launch in Durban. Bhengu-Motsiri says ANC supporters will staunchly support the ruling party. In anticipation of ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech, she has defended the ANC’s achievements in implementing policies beneficial to South Africans over the past three decades, emphasising its commitment to a social contract with the nation:

# The national energy regulator, Nersa, has noted a significant rise in solar investment, registering 124 solar generation facilities from October to December 2023. These facilities are expected to produce 605-megawatts of energy, amounting to 7.8-billion-rand in investment. However, Nersa cautions about the lack of battery energy storage systems, which could lead to grid stress. Meanwhile, provinces like the Western Cape and Gauteng are leading in solar investment, with North West drawing the most significant investment, covering over half of the total megawatts generated.

# The Egyptian ambassador to South Africa, Ahmed el Fadly, lauded the late Namibian president Hage Geingob’s contributions as a SADC leader during a memorial service at Unisa. El Fadly praised Geingob for his regional deliberations and nation-building efforts in Namibia. Additionally, he highlighted Geingob’s advocacy for the Palestinian struggle against Israel as a noteworthy aspect of his legacy. Eighteen world leaders are today attending the official memorial service for Geingob in the Independence Stadium in Windhoek. He will be laid to rest tomorrow in the Heroes’ Acre:

# Ukraine today marks two years since Russia’s invasion, entering a new year of war weakened by a lack of Western aid. When Russia announced a “special military operation” on 24 February 2022, many expected Moscow’s victory within days, but Ukraine fought back, forcing Russian troops into humiliating retreats. AFP reports today’s anniversary will see visits by Western leaders, including EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Ukraine estimates around 50-thousand civilians dead, with military losses at 70-thousand and 120-thousand wounded. Around 315-thousand Russian troops have reportedly been killed or wounded.

# And, soccer: Banyana Banyana is moving closer to qualifying for the Olympic Games after beating Tanzania 3-nil in their first-leg qualifier in Dar-es-Salaam. Jermaine Seoponsenwe opened South Africa’s account in the tenth minute, and the team doubled their score in the 57th minute when Thembi Kgatlana found the back of the net. The third goal came late in the match via Hildah Magaia. The two countries meet again in the second leg in Mbombela on Tuesday.

Stay tuned for more news………….