News 14:00

BULLETIN 13 November 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Eskom is looking to bring more generation onto South Africa’s electricity grid
# The North West farm attack survivor is discharged from hospital
# And cricket: Cummins receives the backing of the governing body in midst of the latest Sandpapergate revelations

# Eskom says its fourth annual Independent Power Producers Conference, currently underway in Johannesburg, aims to optimise grid connection and find practical solutions to bring more generation onto South Africa’s electricity grid. The conference, which has brought independent producers and electricity sector stakeholders under one roof, is being held under the theme, “From Reform to Resilience, Powering a Just Energy Future.” Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says grid access remains critical to advancing new generation projects and strengthening energy security:

# The International Federation of Christian Churches has called for the suspension of the current consultation process being conducted by the Section 22 Committee of the CRL Rights Commission. The commission is hosting public hearings on church self-regulation, ethical and professional conduct, as well as legal and regulatory compliance. The federation’s secretary-general, Giet Khosa, says the process serves no constructive purpose and is instead creating division and fear within the religious sector:

# North West farm attack survivor Donovan Marx’s family says his road to recovery is still long, but at least he has been discharged from hospital. The 50-year-old left the hospital in Potchefstroom together with his wife, Louise, to an emotional welcome from close family and friends. Marx was viciously attacked at his farm near Ventersdorp two weeks ago, being stabbed and shot, and his ears cut off. Four accused abandoned their bail applications in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court today, while a fifth has turned state witness.

Moving abroad:

# India’s capital of Delhi has overtaken Lahore in Pakistan as the world’s most polluted major city, as thick smog blankets the city of 20-million people. Swiss monitoring group IQAir recorded an air quality index of 334, classified as hazardous, while India’s official monitoring agency reported an even higher reading of 403, rated severe. The smog has reduced visibility on major roads. Vehicle fumes, building work and smoke from burning crop fields become trapped in the cold air, adding to the pollution across northern India and neighbouring Pakistan.

# Cricket: Test captain Pat Cummins has received Cricket Australia’s backing amid the latest Sandpapergate revelations. He told the media that former teammate Usman Khawaja’s claims that the whole team knew about the plan to rough the ball with sandpaper in South Africa in 2018 were totally wrong. Cummins was part of that team, but only captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and bowler Cameron Bancroft were sanctioned. CA’s chairperson, David Boon, says Cummins’ job isn’t under threat and they have full confidence in his leadership.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-85-cents and the euro at 18-rand-62-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-29-cents and Bitcoin trades at 69-thousand-205-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-901-dollars-15-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 97-dollars-76-sents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….