News 18:00

BULLETIN 17 January 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Stage 3 load-shedding is implemented despite the return of generation capacity
# BOSA initiates a petition calling for the removal of minister Angie Motshekga 
# And tennis: Djokovic survives a scare against Popyrin to reach the third round of the Australian Open

# Eskom says stage 3 load-shedding will be in effect from this afternoon until 5 AM tomorrow, despite the return of three-thousand-200 megawatts of generating capacity. It attributes the decision to necessary planned maintenance, and setbacks. Power station managers are actively working to restore 606 megawatts tonight. A new load-shedding pattern, alternating between stages two and three until Saturday morning, has been introduced. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena urges the public to use electricity efficiently to alleviate system pressure:

# Build One South Africa is set to launch a public petition demanding the removal of Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga and the abolishment of the 30-percent matric pass mark. As schools open and the matric results loom, BOSA says Motshekga has failed to deliver equitable education. Party leader Mmusi Maimane contends the 30-percent pass mark undermines the intellect of the youth and perpetuates mediocrity. He calls on concerned citizens to rally behind the petition for a 50-percent minimum standard:

# The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services and its partners have responded to a fire in Franschhoek in the Boland. According to reports, the fire is burning in an aged plantation in the area above the Robertsvlei Road toward private properties. The municipality’s spokesperson, Jo-Anne Otto, says various resources have been deployed: 

# TymeBank has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first digital bank in Africa to break even and reach profitability in less than five years since its launch. CEO Coenraad Jonker expressed satisfaction, highlighting this as a pivotal moment for South Africa’s only black-controlled bank. TymeBank, launched in 2019, boasts around 8.5 million customers and is now considered one of the fastest-growing digital banks globally, securing its place as the first African digital bank to achieve this financial milestone.

# Tennis: Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived a huge scare before beating home hope Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 to reach the third round of the Australian Open. The 36-year-old Serb, bidding for a record-extending 11th crown in Melbourne, was in deep trouble in the third set when errors began to flow and had to save four set points. He used his vast experience successfully and won the pivotal tiebreak, and then broke a dispirited Popyrin midway through the fourth set to finally seize control.

Stay tuned for more news………….