News 13:00

BULLETIN 31 January 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Eskom warns of potential stage 4 load-shedding this weekend
# Parliament considers a snap debate on the SANDF crisis
# And rugby: Scotland recalls lock Jonny Gray while Duhan van der Merwe passes his fitness test

# Eskom warns of a high risk of load-shedding this weekend, after more than ten months of uninterrupted power supply. Due to recent breakdowns and repairs, emergency reserves are running low, and stage four load-shedding may be needed over the weekend. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says the summer outlook remains unchanged:

# National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza has confirmed that the Programming Committee is considering a snap debate on funding and resources for the Defence Force. This follows concerns from political parties after 13 soldiers were killed during a peace mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo in one week. Didiza says MPs agree the matter is urgent and requires immediate attention to address the challenges facing the SANDF:

# Human Settlements minister Thembi Simelane is threatening legal action against journalists who reported on her finances, alleging defamation and privacy violations. A Daily Maverick and News24 investigation found that between 2015 and 2020, Simelane spent millions of rands in cash on luxury items. These included a Mercedes-Benz Viano, handbags, the acquisition of a coffee shop in Sandton, and a multistorey mansion in Pretoria when she was mayor of Polokwane. Simelane has demanded that the journalists remove three articles, a short documentary, and social media posts on her questionable wealth.

# Heavy December rain has reportedly caused a severe vegetable shortage at the Tshwane Market. This has particularly affected leafy greens, tomatoes, and carrots. A significant drop in carrot volumes has been reported, with only 15-thousand bags available compared to the usual 80-thousand. According to Fresh Plaza, flooded fields have also led to immature crops and quality issues, including smaller sweet potatoes and lower-quality beetroot. The rain has further disrupted pesticide effectiveness, increasing costs and reducing the shelf life of many products.

# Rugby: Scotland’s lock Jonny Gray will make his first Test appearance for nearly two years after being named in the starting team for tomorrow’s Six Nations opener at home to Italy. The 30-year-old missed the 2023 World Cup with a knee injury. Edinburgh hooker Dave Cherry is also in line for his first Test since the World Cup. Stafford McDowall replaces injured captain Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre, while record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe has been passed fit following an ankle problem.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-64-cents and the euro at 19-rand-33-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-13-cents and Bitcoin trades at 103-thousand-944-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-794-dollars-43-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-58-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….