Bonnie Tyler, iconic voice behind Total Eclipse of the Heart, dies at 75

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, whose unmistakable raspy voice helped define some of the biggest hits of the 1970s and 1980s, has died at the age of 75.

Her family confirmed that she died unexpectedly on Wednesday night in a hospital in Portugal, where she had been receiving treatment for an illness. They have asked for privacy and said a further statement will be released in due course.

Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, Wales, Tyler rose to international fame with a string of chart-topping hits, including It's a Heartache, Holding Out for a Hero and her signature anthem, Total Eclipse of the Heart. The 1983 power ballad became a global phenomenon, topping charts around the world and remaining one of the most recognisable songs of its era.

Tyler's distinctive gravelly voice, which developed after vocal cord surgery early in her career, became her trademark and earned her millions of fans worldwide. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she sold millions of records, received multiple Grammy nominations and continued performing well into her seventies. She also represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013.

The singer had been seriously ill in recent months after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. Although her condition briefly improved, her family announced that she died as a result of the illness for which she had been receiving treatment.

Tributes have begun pouring in from fans, fellow musicians and public figures around the world, remembering Bonnie Tyler as one of the most distinctive and enduring voices in popular music.

Five provinces removed from load reduction schedule

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

At least five of South Africa’s nine provinces are load reduction-free following the implementation of Eskom’s nationwide Load Reduction Eradication Programme.

Since the launch of the programme in September last year, some 1.1 million South Africans have been removed from load reduction schedules, representing some 65% of the power utility’s eradication target.

Provinces eliminated from load reduction are Mpumalanga, joining the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and North West, with national eradication targeted by March 2027.

“The achievement reflects Eskom’s broader strategy to pursue operational and financial sustainability by reducing energy losses and modernising the power system through targeted investment in strengthening distribution infrastructure.

“It also supports improved reliability and customer experience, while delivering tangible benefits to households, schools, clinics, businesses and communities through a more resilient and secure electricity network,” Eskom said in a statement.

Eskom Group Executive for Distribution Junaid Munshi added that the milestone is indicative of the power utility’s drive to transform “electricity service delivery across South Africa”.

“While significant progress has been made in improving generation performance and sustaining power system stability, we recognise that some communities continue to experience the impact of load reduction.

“Reaching the milestone of more than one million customers removed from load reduction demonstrates that the programme is delivering tangible results. However, the work is not complete.

“The remaining areas, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, require sustained investment, continued infrastructure upgrades, the deployment of advanced technologies and ongoing collaboration with communities and stakeholders to address the root causes of network overloading,” Munshi said.

Load reduction is implemented by the power utility to protect infrastructure from overloading and destruction where there are illegal connections.

“Illegal connections, electricity theft, meter tampering and vandalism continue to place significant pressure on local electricity networks, increasing the risk of infrastructure damage, supply interruptions and safety incidents.

“Eskom, therefore, calls on all customers and community stakeholders to support efforts to protect electricity infrastructure and maintain reliable electricity supply,” the power utility said.

Community members are encouraged to:
-Report illegal connections, electricity theft and meter tampering.
-Report damaged or unsafe electricity infrastructure.
-Support smart meter installations and providing safe access to authorised Eskom technical teams.
-Promote the safe and legal use of electricity within communities.

“Customers are encouraged to report illegal connections and infrastructure damage to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

“Eskom remains committed to delivering a safe, reliable and sustainable electricity supply while ensuring that the benefits of improved power system performance are progressively experienced by all South Africans,” Eskom said.

Seven companies placed on blacklist following Transnet investigation

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has blacklisted seven companies implicated in serious unethical and unlawful conduct.

This after the company, assisted by the Special Investigating Unit, conducted forensic investigations which uncovered financial misconduct, kickback schemes, bribery, theft of company assets, collusion and the submission of false information.

Disciplinary action has also been taken against officials at the State-Owned Entity (SOE) who colluded with the companies.
TPT Chief Executive, Jabu Mdaki said: “Transnet Port Terminals remains committed to upholding the principles of good governance and conducting its business with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability. Unlawful conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances”.

He added that the company is determined to grow and add to the country’s global competitive edge.

“TPT has a mammoth task of enabling South Africa through our specialisation in maritime logistics where the country trades with over 100 markets in the world.

“As a team, we are united in understanding that we exist to serve and there’s no room for anyone who does not share in that mission,” Mdaki said in a statement on Thursday.
According to Transnet, the crackdown reflects a broader, systemic investigation currently active across all of Transnet’s operating divisions.

“Earlier this week, Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) suspended four employees based on similar allegations. Additionally, restrictions against implicated suppliers at TRIM are also proceeding.

“Earlier this year, Transnet announced the suspension of nine employees implicated in alleged collusion with suppliers. Six of these employees have now left Transnet’s employment because of disciplinary action instituted against them. Disciplinary proceedings against the other employees are still in progress,” the SOE said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected fraud or any irregularity involving Transnet to 0800 003 056, email: [email protected] or SMS: 063 786 7403.

“While the consequence management processes are proceeding, Transnet is also implementing systemic improvements to detect and prevent the recurrence of such malfeasances,” Transnet said.

George Airport Capacity Set to Double in R974 Million Expansion

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Eon Engelbrecht

George Airport is set for a R974 million expansion as growing passenger demand continues to strengthen air travel across the Western Cape, particularly on the Southern Cape and Garden Route.

The project will double airport capacity from 1 million to 2 million passengers annually, with completion expected in 2027, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the province’s tourism growth trajectory.

Upgrades will improve key passenger areas including check-in facilities, security screening, baggage handling, and circulation flow, delivering a more efficient and seamless travel experience.

Delivered in phases while remaining fully operational, the expansion also reinforces sustainability priorities, targeting a 4-Star Green Star certification aligned with long-term environmental goals.