News 15:00

BULLETIN 22 August 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Transnet and Nersa sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen port energy regulation
# Deputy minister David Mahlobo urges innovation and collaboration to tackle global water challenges
# And athletics: Minister McKenzie warns sports federations against misusing athletes funds

# The Transnet National Ports Authority and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding to improve regulatory alignment for petroleum, liquefied natural gas, and electricity infrastructure at ports. The ten-year agreement supports security of supply, investment in port infrastructure, and upcoming projects. This includes Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal’s liquefied natural gas terminal and renewable-energy initiatives across South Africa’s commercial ports. Governance structures and steering committees will oversee technical, regulatory, and strategic workstreams.

# Deputy minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, has called for bold innovation, cross-border collaboration and sustainable practices to confront the escalating global water crisis. He has warned that South Africa’s water scarcity demands urgent action and cannot be treated as business as usual. Mahlobo has also highlighted the importance of integrating indigenous research and practices into solutions, highlighting that indigenous knowledge systems are a form of science that modern technology can build upon:

# Union federation Saftu urges the government to stop sending coal and minerals to Israel, urging workers to boycott Israeli goods. This follows US sanctions against International Criminal Court officials investigating alleged war crimes. The union federation condemns the targeting of ICC judges as a move to protect powerful nations while civilians in Gaza continue to suffer. Saftu’s Asive Dyani says the sanctions are an attack on international justice:

Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says they will immediately resume negotiations for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an end to the nearly two-year-old war, but on terms acceptable to them. It was his first response to a temporary ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt and Qatar that Hamas accepted on Monday. An Israeli official says the country will dispatch negotiators to talks once a location is set. However, Reuters reports Netanyahu was still set on approving plans for defeating Hamas and capturing Gaza City.

# Athletics: Sport, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie has issued a stern warning to sports federations accused of misusing funds intended for athletes. McKenzie says his department will not tolerate corruption or financial mismanagement that robs athletes of opportunities. He emphasised that money allocated must directly benefit athletes’ development and performance, urging federations to act responsibly or face consequences. The minister vowed stricter oversight to protect sporting talent:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-64-cents and the euro at 20-rand-46-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-66-cents and Bitcoin trades at 112-thousand-287-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-328-dollars-90-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-38-cents a barrel. 

Stay tuned for more news………….