News Bulletin of 31 October 2025, 4pm

At the City Power Energy Indaba 2025 in Johannesburg, experts emphasised that South Africa’s coal reserves remain essential while the country works towards net-zero emissions.
With nearly 10 billion tons of proven coal, the nation is a major producer and consumer, and coal continues to support the economy and energy supply.
Speakers highlighted the importance of technology and clean-coal solutions to reduce emissions while keeping electricity affordable for households and businesses.
Echo Energy Africa co-founder Naphtally Mafa said coal itself is not the issue, but emissions need careful management through innovation.
City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava noted that partnerships with Eskom and the private sector are crucial to balancing energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba says the long-awaited high-speed train linking Durban and Johannesburg is moving closer to reality.
The proposed trains could reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, offering faster travel and opening major economic opportunities for Durban.
Xaba says the project will ease congestion at the country’s busiest port and boost tourism as thousands of visitors from Gauteng could travel to Durban weekly.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has invited private sector participation to modernise the rail network, supporting the project’s development.
The mayor welcomed these developments as a boost for Durban’s economy and a step toward modern, efficient transport infrastructure.

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
The World Health Organisation confirmed the island nation’s “triple elimination,” building on its 2019 success with HIV and syphilis.
More than 95 percent of pregnant women in the Maldives receive prenatal care, are routinely screened for the three infections, and newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
Data from 2022 and 2023 shows no infants tested positive for HIV or syphilis, and a 2023 survey found no children entering primary school with hepatitis B.
Experts say the Maldives’ integrated maternal and child health strategy offers a model for the region, though continued vigilance is needed to sustain this global health milestone.