News 13:00

BULLETIN 27 June 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Business Against Crime South Africa mobilises support for the Police ahead of 30 June
# The power system remains stable despite increased winter demand
# And cricket: A place in the T20 World Cup semifinal is at stake for the Proteas Women tomorrow

Business Against Crime South Africa says more than 500 member companies are providing extensive resources to support the South African Police Service ahead of planned 30 June protests. The support includes helicopters, drones, CCTV networks, armed response vehicles, ambulances and medical teams to strengthen SAPS operational capacity. The organisation says the initiative is part of a public-private partnership aimed at improving safety and coordination during high-risk periods. Authorities say the support will enhance monitoring and response capability nationwide during the mobilisation.

# The National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa has urged Parliament to take urgent action to better protect and support informal traders. The organisation says the government should introduce a single, fair trading permit system, improve trading spaces and pass an Informal Economy Act to support the sector. NITASA General Secretary Samuel Madikoto says concerns over illegal immigration must be dealt with through the law and not through violence or xenophobia.

# Eskom says the national power system remains stable and is meeting rising winter electricity demand, supported by improved generation performance and fewer unplanned outages. The utility spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed that more than 964-thousand households have been restored through its Load Reduction Elimination Programme. She says diesel spending has dropped by more than 84-percent compared with last year and that the country has now gone 406 consecutive days without load-shedding:

Meanwhile, Energy Exchange South Africa says the government’s biggest energy challenge is no longer generating electricity but expanding the national grid to connect new renewable power projects. The organisation’s CEO, Wayne Cowie, says outdated transmission infrastructure and limited grid capacity are delaying connections despite the government’s large pipeline of renewable energy projects. Cowie warns failure to modernise the grid could threaten energy security, economic growth and the shift to cleaner energy.

# Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has called for vigilance as heavy traffic is expected on major routes this weekend due to school closures. Spokesperson Mashudu Mabata says motorists should expect congestion on the N1 northbound from Gauteng into Limpopo as families travel for the school break. She confirmed that traffic officers are on high alert across key corridors, toll plazas and weighbridges to ensure visibility rapid response:

# And cricket: It’s all or nothing for the Proteas Women in tomorrow’s final T20 World Cup group matches in England. South Africa plays Bangladeshafter the clash between India and Australia. The Aussies top the group, followed by India and the Proteas. Victory for South Africa will strengthen their chance of reaching the semifinals, but they also need Australia to beat India. The semifinals will be played on Tuesday and Thursday, with the final at Lord’s in London next Sunday.

Stay tuned for more news………….