News Bulletin of 4 September 2025, 4pm

The City of Ekurhuleni has made progress in tackling its billing crisis, recovering 18 percent of the R2 billion lost through tampered electricity meters.
Mayor Doctor Xhakaza says more than R365 million has already been collected, with nearly R1.4 billion successfully billed.
A further R761 million is in the process of being finalised.
He says the city is now stepping up a collection campaign to ensure the remaining revenue is recovered.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa has posted record financial results, reporting a 14 percent rise in net profit to R5.3 billion for the year ending March. The state-owned financier also improved loan collections and expanded its infrastructure support.

During the year, the bank disbursed R17.5 billion in loans and mobilised over R91 billion in infrastructure funding, while maintaining strong asset quality.

Beyond the numbers, the DBSA supported municipalities, delivered sanitation facilities to more than 34,000 learners in schools, and contracted nearly a thousand small businesses. Its projects created around 35,000 jobs and provided training opportunities for young people.

The UK government has announced plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks such as Red Bull to anyone under the age of 16 in England.
Health Minister Wes Streeting says the move aims to protect children’s health and improve school performance, with studies showing up to a third of teenagers regularly consume these drinks, many containing more caffeine than two cups of coffee.
The proposal will go through a 12-week consultation process, with input from parents, teachers, experts, and retailers.
Officials argue the ban will help reduce poor sleep, lack of concentration, obesity, and dental problems linked to sugary energy drinks.