News 16:00

BULLETIN 23 January 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Electricity minister says renewable energy integration is critical for transmission 
# Infrastructure South Africa is to hold a Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium in Cape Town in March
# And tennis: Rafael Nadal aims to return in Doha next month 

# Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the successful integration of new generation capacity, particularly from renewable energy sources, is crucial for efficient transmission. He briefed the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. Ramokgopa revealed private sector financing is available for transmission projects, following discussions with heads of missions representing foreign interests in the country. He assured that private sector investment would not compromise the state’s ownership of the grid:

# Infrastructure South Africa will host the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium 2024 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town from 17 to 19 March, under the theme “Quality infrastructure for development, recovery and inclusive growth“. The event will unite key stakeholders from South Africa and across the continent to drive infrastructure development, focusing on accelerating economic recovery through strategic plans. The symposium will address regulatory reforms, explore funding models, showcase the emerging pipeline’s strength, and highlight investment opportunities. Public Works and Infrastructure minister Sihle Zikalala will lead the symposium.

# Northern Cape police commissioner, Koliswa Otola, is urging farmers in the province to brand mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act. Ffive suspects were recently arrested for the alleged theft and possession of livestock in Richmond and Van Wyksvlei. Police spokesperson, Timothy Sam, says many stock theft cases are lost in courts because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals:

# The National Council of SPCAs reiterates its unwavering stance against the live export of animals by sea, emphasising the severe implications on animal welfare. The MV Bahijah, carrying thousands of Australian sheep and cattle, left Australia for the Middle East earlier this month, only to be diverted from its route through the Red Sea due to escalating attacks on cargo ships. NSPCA spokesperson, Jacques Peacock, says the council received news that the ship had changed course, heading towards East London in the Eastern Cape.

# Tennis: Spanish ace Rafael Nadal plans to return to the professional game in Doha next month. The 22-time Grand Slam champion returned from injury after a year, earlier this month, only to sustain another injury that kept him out of the Australian Open. Thirty-seven-year-old Nadal entered the Qatar Open, starting on the 19th of February, where he could face players such as Russians Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev. The former world number one has slumped to 446th in the world rankings.  

Stay tuned for more news………….