News 18:00

BULLETIN 6 January 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC pledges economic growth, justice, and equality
# The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements urges safety amid heavy rains
# And Rugby: The Ackerley Sports Group seeks a new deal for the Springboks’ commercial rights

# The ANC is set to unveil a bold vision for the future at its January 8th rally this Saturday at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, Western Cape, focusing on economic growth, justice, and equality. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula told the media the party’s vision aims to create a more equitable society, with a clear path forward to advance social justice and rebuilding the economy:

Meanwhile, Mbalula has also announced disciplinary action will be taken against veteran ANC members Tony Yengeni and Obed Bapela for conduct deemed damaging to the party’s reputation. Yengeni faces charges for criticising the ANC leadership on social media and supporting the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party. Bapela is under fire for an unauthorised trip to Morocco, conflicting with the ANC’s stance on Western Sahara. Mbalula warned that members engaging in disruptive behaviour, will face consequences:

# The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has urged residents, especially in informal settlements, to exercise caution due to ongoing heavy rains. Spokesperson Tahir Sema advises residents to avoid flood-prone areas, adhere to safety warnings, create emergency plans, and evacuate if necessary. He emphasises community safety during these rainy weather conditions:

# Zimbabwe’s power-transmission company, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission & Distribution Company, has called for bids to install energy-storage units to alleviate severe energy shortages. The project aims to set up battery-storage systems at four sites, each providing 600 Megawatts for at least three hours during peak demand. The country faces frequent power shortages, worsened by the worst drought in 40 years, reducing hydropower output. Currently, many miners depend on imported power from Mozambique to operate.

# Rugby: Ackerley Sports Group plans to pursue a new deal for the commercial rights to the Springboks after its initial bid failed. Despite support from South Africa’s Sports minister Gayton McKenzie, the Seattle-based group’s 1.3-billion-rand offer for a 20-percent stake in SA Rugby’s commercial rights was rejected by member unions. According to News24, Ackerley remains optimistic, aiming to work with a South African consortium. SA Rugby president Mark Alexander emphasised strategic growth to prevent financial collapse of SA Rugby.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-47-cents and the euro at 19-rand-21-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-13-cents and Bitcoin trades at 99-thousand-249-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-627-dollars-67-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-82-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….