News 14:00

BULLETIN 28 January 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The EFF pushes for the earlier implementation of ICASA’s data rollover
# The Department of Water and Sanitation continues to monitor the high-risk Senteeko Dam in Mpumalanga
# And surfing: The Department of Sport says no funding request was submitted for the now cancelled World Surf League Event at Jeffreys Bay

# The EFF says it will push for faster implementation of Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s amended mobile data rollover rules, set to take effect on 23 January next year. The regulations require networks to allow at least one rollover of unused bundles. EFF Member of Parliament, Sinawo Tambo, says waiting 12-months is unnecessary, arguing operators need no more than three-months. He adds Parliament will summon ICASA to explain the delay once it reopens after the state of the nation address.

# The Department of Water and Sanitation says assessments and monitoring of the Senteeko Dam in Mpumalanga are ongoing, with pressure on the dam wall slightly reduced. This follows the construction of an emergency spillway last week to release excess water. The department’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, says while interventions are underway, including the emergency spillway and sandbags placed to prevent overtopping, it is too early to declare the dam safe:

# The Presidency says government and business have agreed the central framework for phase three of the Government Business Partnership will be anchored in inclusive growth, jobs and confidence. President Cyril Ramaphosa met with ministers and senior business leaders yesterday. The meeting reviewed progress achieved during phase two, when important gains were made in stabilising the energy and logistics systems. The Presidency says they had also agree crime and corruption remain among the most significant deterrents to confidence, investment and economic growth. 

# The African Credit Rating Agency has been launched in Johannesburg, as the first of its kind in the continent, aimed at reshaping how Africa’s creditworthiness is assessed. The initiative brings together regulators and investors to improve transparency and collaboration. Experts warn only 33 African countries hold sovereign ratings, with fewer than six investment grade, despite governments paying over six-trillion-rand in interest. Leaders say the agency will help deliver fairer ratings, lower borrowing costs, and stronger financial stability across the continent.

# Surfing: The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says the public narrative that minister Gayton McKenzie has withdrawn financial support for the World Surf League’s Championship Tour event at Jeffreys Bay is inaccurate. Organisers have blamed a lack of funds for not being able to host the event this year. Spokesperson Zimasa Velaphi says no request for national government funding, guarantees, or associated services was formally submitted for consideration:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-90-cents and the euro at 19-rand-5-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-91-cents and Bitcoin trades at 89-thousand-356-dollars. Gold sells at five-thousand-280-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 66-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….