News 13:00

BULLETIN 14 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Trevor Manuel hails Mosiuoa Lekota as a giant-hearted and visionary leader
# Cosatu backs the National Union of Mineworkers’ mass action against Eskom’s unbundling
# And the strikes against US-friendly Gulf nations continue

# Former Finance minister Trevor Manuel has praised the late Mosiuoa Lekota as a giant-hearted leader whose impact transcended political organisations. Manuel highlighted the former Free State premier’s dedication to building the United Democratic Front, his fearless outreach to communities, and his commitment to non-racialism. He described Lekota as a visionary, and a leader who combined courage, determination, and humanity, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight against apartheid:

# South Africa Water and Sanitation minister, Pemmy Majodina, and Eswatini counterpart, Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, have signed a revised treaty on the development and use of water resources in the Komati River basin. Majodina said the treaty, first signed in 1992, had never been reviewed as neighboring countries shared water management and dam operations. Meanwhile Price Dlamini said the update strengthens cooperation while providing water for agriculture, mining and domestic use:

# Cosatu says it fully supports its affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers, in opposing the unbundling of Eskom. NUM plans nationwide marches starting today in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal to protest the restructuring of the power utility and planned retrenchments in the ferrochrome industry. Cosatu’s Zanele Sabela says the unions argue the move could open the door to privatisation and threaten jobs while increasing electricity costs:

# The DA has rejected the City of Johannesburg’s adjustment budget, saying it prioritises political agreements over residents’ needs. DA Johannesburg caucus leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, says the party and the Freedom Front Plus voted against the budget, while ActionSA and the EFF abstained. She argues that the proposal risks worsening the city’s financial crisis and diverting funds from essential infrastructure and service delivery:

# Iran’s state-affiliated media reported fresh strikes hitting US bases in Kuwait and Qatar early Saturday, while interceptions continued to take place elsewhere in the region. Authorities in Dubai said debris from a successful interception struck a building in the centre of the city. Iran’s Tasnim news agency earlier reported explosions at American bases in Kuwait, while several explosions were also reported at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar. The defense ministry in Saudi Arabia reported a wave of attempted aerial attacks since midnight, with sirens in Bahrain urging residents to find shelter.

# And finally: A third prayer gathering has been organised for suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu at Greyville Racecourse this evening, ahead of his return to the Madlanga Commission. The service follows earlier prayers in Mpumalanga and at his home in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Spokesperson Sithembiso Mshengu says independent faith groups organised the event. Mchunu faces allegations of disbanding the Political Killings Task Team, alleged involvement in political interference, corruption, and links to criminal syndicates.

Stay tuned for more news………….