News 15:00

BULLETIN 8 August 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ace Magashule’s former PA is extradited to South Africa
# Cabinet commends Eskom’s historic milestone in electricity generation
# And, rugby: Ulster’s Dave Ewers joins the Stormers on a short-term contract

# Former Free State premier Ace Magashule’s former PA, Moroadi Cholota, is being extradited from the US to South Africa today to face charges in the 255-million-rand asbestos tender corruption case. Initially a key witness in the case, Cholota was charged after refusing to cooperate with the state. Allegations state that high-ranking officials, including Magashule, received kickbacks from asbestos removal funds, with only 21-million-rand’s worth of work completed. Cholota, escorted by the police and Interpol, is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport this afternoon.

# Cabinet has commended Eskom for reaching a historic milestone in electricity generation, marking significant progress in the energy sector. This achievement follows the implementation of the energy action plan, which has improved power station performance and ensured consistent electricity supply without load-shedding for several months. Addressing the media, minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni encourages continued energy-saving practices to support ongoing stability and growth:

# South Africa’s consumer legislation is outdated and fails to address modern e-commerce issues, particularly with international vendors. This is the view of Consumer ombud CEO, Queen Vhulahani-Munyai. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika about the annual report, she emphasised the need for legislative updates, better consumer education, and improved redress mechanisms. She advocates for collaboration with regional counterparts to enhance consumer protection frameworks and advancement to digital technology:

# Kenyan police fired tear gas in the heart of the capital of Nairobi today as small groups of protesters gathered on what was billed as a fresh day of action against embattled president William Ruto. Riot police patrolled the streets of the central business district, roadblocks were set up on major arteries and many shops were shut, but barely dozens of demonstrators turned out. The East African nation, one of the most stable in the region, has been rocked by weeks of protests against Ruto’s administration, mostly led by young Gen-Z Kenyans.

# Rugby: Ulster’s experienced loose forward, Dave Ewers, has signed a short-term contract to join the Stormers squad ahead of the 2024/25 season. The powerful back-rower, who is at home both at blindside flank and number eight, earned over 200 caps for English side Exeter Chiefs before joining Ulster last season. Stormers director of rugby John Dobson says Ewers will bring plenty of physicality along with his considerable experience. He is originally from Zimbabwe.

# And, the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-39-cents and the euro at 20-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-34-cents and Bitcoin trades at 57-thousand-466-dollars-19-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-411-dollars-18-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-19-cent a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….