News 15:00

BULLETIN 7 January 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# NERSA seeks public input on the proposed 76-billion-rand Eskom tariff hike
# SANParks reminds visitors base jumping is prohibited following a fatality on Table Mountain
# And rugby: An approaching winter storm could upset South African teams in their away games this weekend

# Energy regulator NERSA is inviting public comment on a proposed 76-billion-rand tariff hike for Eskom. The new round of consultations comes after the regulator admitted to a massive calculation error relating to the valuation of Eskom’s hardware and profit allocation. NERSA now wants consumers to foot the bill for this shortfall, which could see a 10-percent increase in electricity costs. It has been widely criticised, with energy analysts saying NERSA should be taken to task on the issue. The deadline for public commentary is 21 January.

# ANC Treasurer-General, Gwen Ramokgopa, says funds raised at the party’s fundraising campaign ahead of the January 8 Statement will help stabilise finances and support service delivery. Speaking at the ANC’s Presidential Golf Day at Sun City in North West, Ramokgopa said the ANC has paid all its staff, despite financial strain. She described the event as oversubscribed, highlighting ongoing efforts to fund democracy through fundraising initiatives:

# Saftu says the appointment of Andy Mothibi as Director of Public Prosecutions comes at a critical moment for the country. Mothibi is the current Special Investigating Unit head. Saftu’s spokesperson, Asive Dyani, says they note that Mothibi assumes this responsibility with no public record of personal corruption or adverse judicial findings against him. She adds their welcome of his appointment is principled and not personal:

# SANParks has reminded the public that base jumping is illegal and strictly prohibited in the Table Mountain National Park. This follows the death of a base jumper at Platteklip Gorge on Monday. Rangers and emergency services responded immediately, but the jumber was declared dead at the scene. SANParks’ JP Louw extended condolences to the family and friends of the victim, and urged visitors to respect the park’s protected status.

# Rugby: The arrival of Storm Goretti is adding to the challenge South African teams are facing in the Northern Hemisphere this weekend. Below freezing temperatures are expected in cities across Europe. The Stormers are heading to London for Sunday’s Champions Cup clash with Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop. The Sharks are taking on Sale Sharks in Manchester, and the Cheetahs are meeting Ulster in a Challenge Cup game in Amsterdam on Sunday. It is uncertain if the game will go ahead because of the icy conditions.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-40-cents and the euro at 19-rand-18-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-15-cents and Bitcoin trades at 92-thousand-68-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-460-dollars-64-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 60-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….