News 13:00

BULLETIN 6 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Ramokgopa visits China to enhance South Africa’s energy security
# London’s mayor is to get more powers to revive the hospitality sector
# And Rugby: The Blitzboks are ninth in the Singapore Sevens

# Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is on a working visit to China to strengthen South Africa’s energy capacity and advance its transition to a sustainable system. The visit focuses on exploring clean coal technologies, intelligent microgrid systems, and renewable energy integration. This initiative aligns with South Africa’s Medium-Term Development Plan, aiming to secure technologies and partnerships to meet rising electricity demand and reduce the risk of load-shedding.

Meanwhile, Eskom’s Chairperson Mteto Nyati has announced that the utility requires approximately 350-billion-rand over the next decade to expand South Africa’s transmission infrastructure. The expansion aims to add 14-thousand-kilometres of transmission lines, enhancing capacity for renewable energy projects. ​Nyati says while Eskom can fund the initial three years, private sector investment will be essential thereafter. He emphasised that, despite private participation, the assets will remain government-owned:

# London mayor Sadiq Khan will get more powers to cut red tape that is “stifling” pubs, clubs and restaurants and holding back the UK capital’s flagging night-time economy. Khan will be granted powers to review decisions of local councils that block late-drinking licences in nightlife hotspots. If successful, other mayors across England could receive similar powers in a bid to revive the country’s hospitality sector, which was struggling even before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Businesses have complained that the current licensing system creates barriers to growth and investment.

# Rugby: The Blitzboks kept the best for last as they powered their way to ninth place in the Singapore Sevens. After just four minutes the Blitzboks had already scored two converted tries through Tristan Leyds. In the second half the Blitzboks defence broke the Australian hearts with rock-solid defence, then scored a try through Selvyn Davids. Australia managed a consolation try, giving South Africa a dominant, 26-7 victory. South African supporters must rue the loss the Great Britain in the opening match of the tournament. Kenia and Fiji are in the final later today.

# Motorsport: World champion Max Verstappen claimed a pole to flag victory for Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix, winning his first race of the season and a fourth in a row at Suzuka. Verstappen crossed the line for his 64th Grand Prix victory to a huge ovation from the crowd of 115-thousand. He ended some 1.4-seconds ahead of McLaren’s championship leader Lando Norris in second place, with his teammate Oscar Piastri third on his 24th birthday. Norris’s lead over Verstappen in the drivers’ championship is now down to one point.

# And finally: Today marks the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, focusing on leveling the playing field using sport for social inclusion. The event unites global partners to discuss gender equality, racial justice, and healthy aging through sport. The United Nations calls on all sectors to embrace sport as a tool for breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and driving social progress across the world. It also strives to raise awareness, celebrate success stories, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for solutions to critical challenges. 

Stay tuned for more news………….