News 15:00

BULLETIN 8 July 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Government tackles energy poverty following big tariff increases
# Disaster management teams have been mobilised in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of severe winds
# And, rugby: Perenara and Marler may both miss the second Test between the All Blacks and England

# Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa aims to address energy poverty, where households cannot afford electricity. Ramokgopa noted that rising electricity tariffs strain impoverished South Africans. The minister says his ministry is working on solutions including decarbonisation through solar energy by installing solar panels for cheaper, cleaner electricity. He calls for digital transformation and modern infrastructure while stressing the need to close the inequality gap:

# Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy says South Africa’s roads and rail network are the arteries of the nation, should move people and goods safely and facilitate connectivity with the African continent and the wider world. Creecy delivered the opening address at the Southern African Transport Conference in Pretoria. She says the sector is not operating as either an effective economic facilitator or social service:

# The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal has placed disaster management teams on high alert due to a severe wind warning issued by the South African Weather Service. Residents in Ugu, uMgungundlovu, uThukela, Amajuba, Zululand, King Cetshwayo, and iLembe are urged to secure loose items, stay indoors, and minimise non-essential travel. The department’s spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, warns of veld fires and advises against starting open fires:

Meanwhile, not all insurance claims linked to storms are paid out. The recent storms in South Africa has led to more claims for damage, but many are denied due to policy exclusions. The Ombud for Short-term Insurance reported 25-percent of homeowners’ claims in 2023 were declined due to issues like gradual deterioration, lack of maintenance, and design defects. Case studies show claims for storm damage were often rejected when poor maintenance was the primary cause. The insurance industry says ensuring regular home maintenance can improve the chances of claim approval.

 # Rugby: All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara and English prop Joe Marler will both probably miss Saturday’s second Test in Auckland. Both were injured during the weekend’s first encounter in Dunedin, which New Zealand won 16-15. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson says a player is on standby should Perenara not recover from a knee injury he sustained when he collided with a teammate. He just returned after 18 months on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Marler injured his foot in his 95th Test.

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-13-cents and the euro at 19-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-25-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-233-dollars-62-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-373-dollars-82-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 85-dollars-93-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….