News 13:00

BULLETIN 16 February 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cyril Ramaphosa says there are no inconsistencies with South Africa’s foreign policy and human rights 
# Tshwane’s city manager is given a deadline to justify underspending to the Treasury
# And Rugby: Ireland and Wales make changes to ensure a better experience for colour-blind spectators 

# President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected the suggestion that South African government is pursuing an inconsistent foreign policy on human rights enthusiastically. He was speaking to journalists at the Cape Town Press Club after replying to the SONA debate. Ramaphosa says human rights is the bedrock of South africa’s foreign policy position. He says he is pursuing peace – not only in Gaza and Palestine but also in Ukraine, Sudan and other African countries:

# Tshwane’s city manager, Johann Mettler, has until Monday to persuade Treasury against revoking funding for the municipality. Treasury demands from the metro to justify its underspending on development grants. The city might forfeit millions due to issues related to under-performance and non-compliance. The ANC in the region accuses the DA-led coalition of collapsing the city. Chairperson Eugene Modise says the funds should have been used for service delivery:

# Eskom has downgraded load-shedding to stage two, as a result of the return of additional generating units, ample emergency reserves, and an expected decrease in electricity demand. This positive shift comes into effect from this morning until further notice. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena assures the public of continuous monitoring of the power system, promising prompt communication for any significant changes.

# Britain’s ruling Conservative Party lost two more parliamentary seats to the Labour Party in by-elections. This deals an ominous new blow to embattled prime minister Rishi Sunak ahead of a national vote. The losses capped a dire week for the UK leader, struggling to revive support for his beleaguered party, as official data shows Britain is in recession after economic contraction for two successive quarters. The Conservatives, in power since 2010, are widely expected to lose the general election that Sunak has said he would call in the second half of the year.

# Rugby: Ireland and Wales may play in alternative jerseys when they face each other in future. This is to make it easier for colour-blind spectators to watch their games. The combination of Wales’ traditional red and Ireland’s green jerseys poses particular problems for colour-blind people, making it difficult to follow games. When World Rugby’s new regulations come into force at the end of the year, the onus will be on the visiting team to make a gear change if necessary.  

Stay tuned for more news………….