insert_link South Africa Eskom has requested the National Treasury to convert 16-billion-rand of bailout funds into equity Eskom has requested the National Treasury to convert 16-billion-rand of bailout funds into equity in a bid to alleviate its debt-service burden. According to a report by Moneyweb, Eskom officials told investors that an application has been made to convert the subordinated loan into equity. The report indicates that the conversion into equity would lessen a debt-service burden that has prevented Eskom from carrying out adequate maintenance. This is the […] todayDecember 15, 2023 4
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Activists and Citizens Forum says the government’s strategy of recruiting more police officers is insufficient South Africa's Activists and Citizens Forum says the government’s strategy of recruiting more police officers is insufficient to combat rampant crime. The forum argues that as long as criminals possess more power than the Police Service, increased recruitment will be ineffective in curbing crime. Spokesperson Dennis Bloem notes a troubling trend where criminals and society no longer fear law enforcement. Bloem calls for an urgent overhaul of the criminal justice […] todayDecember 15, 2023 44
insert_link South Africa A South African political analyst says Mavuso Msimang’s return may be a moment for the ANC to do things differently South African Political analyst Levy Ndou suggests that ANC veteran Mavuso Msimang’s reversal of his resignation may be linked to the ANC’s position to exclude leaders implicated in state capture from Parliament in 2024. This exclusion extends to those who have not been cleared by the Integrity Committee. Ndou told Newzroom Afrika that this development might prompt the ANC to address concerns raised by Msimang, particularly regarding corruption. Msimang will […] todayDecember 15, 2023 5
insert_link South Africa ANC veteran’s league deputy president Mavuso Msimang withdraws his resignation from the party ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that anti-apartheid stalwart Mavuso Msimang has withdrawn his resignation from the ANC. This decision follows a meeting between Mbalula and Msimang this week. Mbalula expressed regret for comments that impugned Msimang’s integrity, suggesting vulnerability to bribery from a newly established political party. Mbalula emphasises the ANC’s commitment to transformation and renewal as the party forges ahead towards the ANC’s 112th anniversary. todayDecember 15, 2023 2
insert_link South Africa Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse in South Africa has expressed scepticism over nuclear procurement plan The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse in South Africa has expressed scepticism over the government’s recent nuclear procurement plan and the PetroSA/Gazprombank investment deal, claiming they lack transparency and rationality. The endorsement of a 3.7-billion-rand deal and the pursuit of a new nuclear procurement process for two-thousand-500 megawatts are met with criticism. OUTA’s Wayne Duvenage suggests these decisions appear hasty and could be politically motivated, possibly driven by the upcoming 2024 […] todayDecember 15, 2023 6
insert_link South Africa City of Tshwane cautions residents to be vigilant of municipal refuse collectors The City of Tshwane cautions residents to be vigilant of municipal refuse collectors and contractors soliciting Christmas gifts for the festive season. The municipality says residents are not obligated to provide gifts or money to refuse collection personnel. Any attempts to demand gifts or donations go against the city’s policies, and residents are urged to report such incidents. The city’s Selby Bokaba says monthly utility bills cover waste collection, and […] todayDecember 15, 2023 13
insert_link South Africa DA in Johannesburg has served court papers on the city for what it says is their wilful contempt of court The DA in Johannesburg has served court papers on the city for what it says is their wilful contempt of court by reappointing Floyd Brink as City Manager. The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg had ruled that Brink’s appointment was unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid. However, the council accepted a behind-closed-doors report to rehire Brink. The DA’s, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, says they are asking the court to find any employment contract or […] todayDecember 14, 2023 5
insert_link South Africa SA’s Minister of Forestry welcomes the landmark decision to adopt a Global Goal on Adaptation at the COP28 climate conference SA's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, says South Africa welcomes the landmark decision to adopt a Global Goal on Adaptation at the COP28 climate conference held in Dubai. The global goal of adaptation is a collective commitment proposed by African countries in 2013 and established under the Paris Agreement, to drive political action and finance for adaptation on the same scale as mitigation. Creecy says this […] todayDecember 14, 2023 11
insert_link Africa South Africa cracks down on Zimbabwean children entering the country to visit their parents Many Zimbabwean parents living in South Africa face significant challenges getting to see their children over the December holidays. Many resort to unlawful methods to get their children into the country. The Border Management Authority has “intensified operations” to put an end to this practice. But claims made by the Border Management Authority of “human trafficking” appear to be unfounded. The government is cracking down on Zimbabwean children entering […] todayDecember 14, 2023 22
