News 13:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 18 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Home Affairs offices are open for ID collection during the voter registration weekend
# Rand Water counters allegations of blame for Gauteng’s water scarcity
# And, cricket: Pat Cummings urges Australia to embrace the India crowd challenge in the World Cup final

# The Department of Home Affairs has issued a reminder urging eligible South African voters who have not collected their identity documents to visit their offices this voter registration weekend. The department has confirmed the availability of 321 offices nationwide and expresses confidence in the seamless operation of its systems to assist those requiring ID documents. The offices will remain open until 5 PM today.

# Bulk water utility Rand Water has reassured the public it has an adequate  supply for Gauteng. CEO Sipho Mosai refutes claims of failure to meet customer water needs and emphasises the importance of responsible water usage. Mosai acknowledged an increase in water consumption in the three Gauteng metros,  Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. He urges municipalities to implement measures to reduce water use. The CEO attributes water challenges in municipalities to planned and unplanned maintenance:

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# A 42-year-old truck driver, Phumlani Johan Hadebe, has appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on charges of stealing heavy fuel oil intended for use at an Eskom power station in Mpumalanga. Hadebe’s arrest follows thorough investigations by the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says it is alleged Hadebe diverted and sold the heavy fuel oil, valued at 500-thousand-rand, for 40-thousand-rand. Mathe says the committee’s investigations has thus far led to the arrest of 207 suspects:

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# Kenya’s president William Ruto has earned recognition from Time Magazine’s Time 100 Climate rankings as one of the world’s 100 most influential leaders shaping global climate action. This accolade follows Ruto’s recent initiative to establish a tree-planting national holiday, on which 100-million trees were planted. This effort aligns with his broader ambition to plant 15-billion trees within ten years. Ruto’s recognition comes as the World Bank warns Kenya’s economic output could decline by 7.25-percent by 2050 if the country fails to tackle climate change.

# And, cricket: Australia captain Pat Cummins has urged his side to embrace the challenge of facing a hostile crowd when they play in-form hosts India in tomorrow’s World Cup final in Ahmedabad. A capacity crowd of 130-thousand, which would be a record for any cricket match, is expected to roar on India, who have won all ten of their matches en route to the showpiece game. The hosts are bidding for a third men’s one-day international World Cup title, and second on home soil after their 2011 triumph. Australia has won the World Cup five times.

Stay tuned for more news………….