Midday Edition: Zuma to give SONA update

ZUMA SONA UPDATE - President Jacob Zuma is expected to give an update on progress made since his State of the Nation address. 

Zuma is expected to focus on the nine point plan which aims to boost economic growth and job creation, which he announced when he delivered the State of the Nation Address in February. 

Amongst others, the nine point plan consisted of resolving the energy challenge and stabilising the labour market, as well as boosting the role of our state owned companies.

Maryke Vermaak reports...

 

POLICE OFFICERS ARRESTED FOR CORRUPTION - Eight police officers from the K9 Unit in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga were arrested by the Hawks this morning for charges ranging from corruption, defeating the ends of justice, conspiracy to commit a crime, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm to kidnapping. 

This comes after another officer was arrested last week. He is expected to appear before the Lydenburg Magistrate's Court tomorrow for the same charges. 

As the Hawks' Hangwani Mulaudzi explains, these nine officers, including Warrant Officers, Sergeants and Constables, are allegedly part of a syndicate which escorts vehicles transporting illegal cigarettes in Lydenburg and surrounding areas...

The eight suspects are expected to appear before the Lydenburg Magistrate's Court today, with their case likely to be postponed to Wednesday in order for them to join the ninth co-accused.

 

ROODEPOORT SCHOOL - Parents have expressed their concern at the Roodepoort Primary School, after schooling has once again been partially disrupted.

This comes after last week's violent clashes between parents and school officials. Only a third of the students showed up for school today while half of the teachers stayed away, fearing for their own safety. 

The MEC for Education in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, yesterday said he will close the school if the disruptions continue. 

Dianna Gilbert says the quality of education at the Roodepoort Primary School is taking a toll on her grandson...

 

ESKOM PROFIT - Eskom has announced a profit of R3.6-billion in the past financial year, 49% less than last year's profit of R7.09-billion. 

The power utility says load shedding and strikes in the mining industry have affected the profit negatively. 

Eskom CEO Brian Molefe, however, said it's not all doom and gloom, with the synchronisation of Medupi's Unit 6 that has been providing power since May this year.

 

For the latest updates, follow us on Twitter @JacaNews