News 13:00

BULLETIN 1 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Ramokgopa urges premium spending to drive industrialisation via grid expansion
# The Springboks expect a tough game against Japan at Wembley
# And, rain and severe storms are expected across South Africa today

# Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa is prepared to pay a premium to ensure the multibillion-rand electricity grid expansion boosts industrialisation and transformation. Speaking in Sandton, Ramokgopa acknowledged industry concerns over the Independent Transmission Project procurement and promised local-content stipulations and participation for domestic contractors. He said that pre-qualified bidders will be announced by 15 December, with the formal request for proposals due in 2026:

# The second phase of Operation Vulindlela is progressing toward achieving 3.5-percent economic growth by 2029 despite domestic challenges. At a Johannesburg Stock Exchange briefing, the Presidency’s Rudi Dicks highlighted progress in energy, logistics, water, housing, and digital infrastructure. Key gains include renewable energy investment, visa backlog cuts, and private rail access. He confirmed that Treasury and departments continue full rollout to boost growth, improve service delivery, and attract investment:

# Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero says informal traders with valid permits are operating using smart cards with QR codes for verification. This follows a postponed court hearing between the city and traders represented by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute. The parties failed to agree on temporary remedies. The mayor says authorised traders are back in business across key markets, while the city enforces bylaws to restore order and ensure safe trading environments:

# Hundreds of people have been killed in Tanzania during three days of protests following Wednesday’s general election. The country’s main opposition party Chadema told AFP news agency that “around 700” people had been killed in clashes with security forces, while a diplomatic source in Tanzania told the BBC there was credible evidence that at least 500 people had died. The demonstrations have seen mostly young protesters take to the streets in cities across Tanzania to denounce the election as unfair. They accuse the government of undermining democracy by suppressing the main opposition leaders.

# Rugby: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siya Kolisi said it would be a massive mistake to underestimate Japan going into their opening clash in the November Internationals at Wembley Stadium later today. Kolisi added the Boks are determined to get their tour off to a good start, especially with clashes lined up against France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales over the next four weeks. The teams will cross paths at the iconic stadium in London at 10 past six this afternoon.

# And finally, the South African Weather Service has forecast rain across much of South Africa today. SAWS has issued warnings of severe thunderstorms, hail and damaging winds in provinces including Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Storms are set to intensify in the afternoon, bringing heavy downpours and localised flooding in low-lying areas and along major roads. Residents and motorists are urged to stay alert and avoid high-risk zones.

Stay tuned for more news………….