News 13:00

BULLETIN 16 May 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# OUTA says Sisisi Tolashe’s dismissal must signal broader accountability in government 
# Eskom today celebrates one year without load-shedding
# And, experts call for better support systems for boys

# The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse says the dismissal of Social Development minister Sisisi Tolashe following serious allegations of misconduct, should mark the start of a broader push for consistent accountability across government. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage says public trust is weakened when consequences for misconduct appear selective or politically driven. Duvenage called for all allegations of abuse of office and corruption to be properly investigated, with meaningful action taken regardless of political position:

# FirstRand Head of Infrastructure, Judy Kobus, says South Africa’s growing infrastructure backlog requires urgent collaboration between the public and private sectors. This as government maintenance deficits exceeded 30-billion-rand in 2025. Speaking to SABC News, Kobus said recent reforms in renewable energy, water and transport infrastructure are encouraging. She highlighted private sector investment in renewable energy projects following regulatory changes, adding that reforms involving Transnet and PRASA are positive developments.

# Eskom has marked 365 consecutive days without load-shedding since 2018. Spokesperson Daphne Mokoena says the milestone signals a major turnaround for South Africa’s power system and a boost for economic confidence. Eskom says uninterrupted supply over the past year saved 26.9-billion-rand in diesel costs while meeting full electricity demand. She stressed Board chair Mteto Nyati stance that the utility is positioned to support energy reform and future investment:

# Uganda’s Health Ministry has confirmed an Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain, reportedly imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One patient died on Thursday in Kampala after developing hemorrhagic symptoms in intensive care. Health authorities have launched contact tracing and containment measures. The outbreak comes as neighboring Congo battles a growing Ebola crisis, with 65 deaths and more than 240 suspected cases reported, raising fears of cross-border transmission in East Africa. The Ugandan Heath Ministry says there is no cause for alarm.

# Soccer: Orlando Pirates are on the brink of winning the Premiership title, needing just three points from their final two matches. The Buccaneers, who have not won the league in 14-years, benefited after Mamelodi Sundowns lost 3–2 to TS Galaxy. Pirates will host Durban City this afternoon at the Orlando Arena. Durban City, fresh from Nedbank Cup success, are targeting a top-eight finish despite a six-match winless league run. Pirates look to maintain their strong home form as a win could end Sundowns’ long domestic dominance.

# Child protection advocates say boys are often excluded from support systems because institutions fail to recognise their vulnerability. This comes as the world commemorated International Day of the Boy Child. In their opinion piece in Daily Maverick, Aluta Sneke and C Anzio Jacobs argue that harmful social norms discourage boys from seeking help or expressing emotion. They say evidence from programmes supported by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund shows boys respond positively when safe spaces and counselling are provided, helping reduce violence, trauma and self-destructive behaviour.

Stay tuned for more news………….