CONSUMER INFLATION SURGES TO 5.4% IN SEPTEMBER
Statistics South Africa revealed that the consumer inflation rate for September rose to 5.4%, marking a 0.6% increase from the August rate of 4.8%. The primary drivers of this upswing were elevated food and fuel prices across the nation.
SOUTH AFRICA APPOINTS NEW PUBLIC PROTECTOR, ADVOCATE KHOLEKA GCALEKA
South Africa has appointed its new Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka. Gcaleka, who previously served as Deputy and Acting Public Protector, secured 244 votes, while 12 MPs voted against her appointment. The 244 votes exceeded the 60% threshold required for her to assume the position as the head of the Chapter 9 institution.
Gcaleka’s appointment received support from the ANC, IFP, and GOOD, while the Freedom Front Plus, DA, and EFF expressed their opposition. She will take over from former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, whose non-renewable seven-year term recently concluded. Mkhwebane was also impeached by the National Assembly due to findings of misconduct and incompetence.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SAYS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY IS ON THE CARDS IF SPRINGBOKS WIN RUGBY WORLD CUP
Following the Springboks’ thrilling triumph over France in Paris, President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated his willingness to consider a public holiday if the team secures victory in the Rugby World Cup.
Throughout the tournament, there have been continuous calls for a celebratory public holiday in South Africa, with Ramaphosa acknowledging these sentiments after the nail-biting win against the host nation.
GHANA AND SOUTH AFRICA ENABLE VISA-FREE TRAVEL FOR CITIZENS
In a significant diplomatic development, Ghana and South Africa have forged an agreement to grant visa-free travel for their citizens holding regular passports. Effective from November 1, 2023, this accord allows travelers from both nations to explore each other’s territories for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, although it does not permit work during this period.
Notably, South Africa had previously inked a similar visa waiver agreement with Kenya in January, signifying a growing trend of facilitating international travel across African nations.
JULIUS MALEMA FAILS TO HAVE CHARGES DISMISSED
Julius Malema has failed in his bid to have charges against him dismissed. He is accused of firing a rifle during the EFF’s 2018 birthday celebrations, an action he allegedly committed at Mdantsane’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium. Malema’s co-accused, Adriaan Snyman, is also facing charges for contravening the Firearms Control Act.
In September, Malema’s legal team requested that the charges be dropped, citing a lack of substantial evidence. However, on Thursday, Magistrate Twanet Olivier dismissed the application to withdraw the charges, citing a lack of evidence. Both Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to all six charges against them.
CITY OF TSHWANE SPENDS R3 MILLION ON A MOBILE ALCOHOL EVIDENCE BUS TO CATCH DRUNK DRIVERS
The City of Tshwane has introduced a versatile bus at a cost of R3 million, aimed at promoting road safety through its use in stop-and-search operations. Law enforcement officers will employ the bus to identify individuals driving under the influence of alcohol and to address unpaid traffic fines, among other responsibilities.
The launch of this mobile unit precedes the festive season when road accidents tend to surge.
CITY OF JOBURG CITY TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST RESIDENTS WHO REFUSE TO PAY UTILITY BILLS
The city of Johannesburg is cracking down on residents who refuse to pay their water and electricity bills. The city has identified around 2,600 customers in communities who owe millions for these services. However, these customers have either intimidated or refused access to their meters by Johannesburg Water employees.
The city is now considering laying criminal charges against residents who engage in illegal service connections. Johannesburg’s CFO, Tebogo Moraka, stated that such actions are a significant financial burden on the city.
eMEDIA WITHDRAWS COURT APPLICATION AGAINST MULTICHOICE AND SUPERSPORT
Openview’s parent firm, eMedia, has abandoned its application to the High Court against MultiChoice and SuperSport.
The limitations SuperSport placed on a sub-licensing agreement with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) regarding the broadcasting rights for the Rugby and Cricket World Cups are at the heart of the legal controversy. It’s important to remember that SuperSport is the only network with the exclusive rights to telecast these renowned athletic events in South Africa.
SuperSport and the SABC executed both agreements at the last minute.
NON-COMPLIANCE WITH OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS CONTRIBUTED TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FIRE
Parliament’s investigation into the January 2022 fire that ravaged the National Assembly has unveiled its findings. The report, released by Parliament’s secretary, Xolile George, highlighted the absence of evidence linking Zandile Mafe to the incident. Instead, the investigation pinpointed failures in implementing security policies and non-compliance with occupational health and safety standards as key factors.
The extensive blaze impacted five floors of the National Assembly building and the nearby Old Assembly Wing, resulting in a roof collapse and the destruction of numerous parliamentary offices.
VODACOM HIT WITH R1-MILLION FINE FOR BREACHING CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS
Vodacom, a major telecoms giant, has been declared guilty of contravening sections of the Consumer Protection Act, reveals eNCA. The National Consumer Tribunal has taken action by imposing an administrative fine of R1-million against the company.
The tribunal ruled that Vodacom’s actions were unethical, as they imposed terms and conditions that infringed upon consumers’ rights to cancel their fixed-term contracts.
Numerous complaints were reported to the tribunal between 2020 and 2022, with consumers claiming that Vodacom hindered their ability to cancel these contracts by imposing a steep cancellation penalty of 75 percent. The decision to fine Vodacom has been met with approval from the National Consumer Commission.
POLICE SEIZE R50 MILLION IN COUNTERFEIT GOODS IN CAPE TOWN
In a significant operation conducted in Bellville, Cape Town, the police have confiscated counterfeit goods valued at R50 million. This action was part of the safer festive season launch in Khayelitsha. Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola pledged heightened visibility during the launch. National Police Chief Fannie Masemola was present in Bellville, where a substantial portion of the seizures occurred.
NSFAS CANCELS FOUR SERVICE PROVIDER CONTRACTS DUE TO IRREGULAR TENDER PROCESS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has terminated contracts with four service providers responsible for paying out student allowances. This decision follows the release of a forensic report that identified irregularities in the tender award process. The investigation was initiated in response to allegations of conflict of interest involving NSFAS CEO Andile Nongogo in the appointment of these service providers.
ESKOM SUSPENDS LOAD SHEDDING FOR THE WEEKEND
Eskom will suspend load shedding from 22:00 tonight until 16:00 on Monday, providing a relief period of more than 3 days.
This decision is attributed to the consistent strong performance of the generation fleet and the anticipation of reduced weekend demand. The number of breakdowns has decreased to 12,925MW, while planned maintenance covers 4,889MW of generation capacity.
Eskom will issue further updates on Sunday afternoon and will communicate promptly should any significant developments transpire.
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