Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
ESKOM HAS SPENT R65 BILLION ON DIESEL IN LAST 5 YEARS
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan disclosed in Parliament that Eskom has spent a staggering R65 billion on diesel over the past five years, primarily to mitigate load shedding. This revelation coincides with Eskom’s recent streak of 29 days without power cuts. Gordhan’s response to the Democratic Alliance (DA) inquiry unveiled that Eskom’s diesel expenditure peaked in 2024 at R23 billion. This reliance on diesel has raised concerns, with the DA asserting that Eskom has not yet resolved the load shedding crisis. Additionally, Gordhan disclosed that Eskom sources diesel from five suppliers, including PetroSA, Astron, Shell, BP, and Engen.
PRASA HITS MILESTONE WITH 200 MODERN TRAINS
PRASA has marked a significant achievement with the production of 200 modern Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) in Gauteng. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga hailed this milestone, highlighting the positive impact on carbon emissions reduction and sustainable transportation.
The initiative forms part of PRASA’s Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme, set to create 1,500 direct and 8,000 indirect jobs over a decade. Notably, local communities have benefitted from job creation and skills development, with thousands employed and trained. Through partnerships and investments, PRASA aims to foster a skilled workforce and empower previously disadvantaged individuals, ultimately revitalizing the railway and manufacturing sectors while uplifting communities.
COURT RULES IN FAVOUR OF WOMAN WHO WAS FIRED FOR SMOKING WEED AFTER WORK
Bernadette Enever triumphed in the Labour Appeal Court after being dismissed by Barloworld South Africa for using cannabis for medical reasons after work. The court found Barloworld’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol to be too broad, violating Enever’s right to privacy.
It ruled the company’s policy irrational, particularly concerning cannabis use in employees’ homes. Enever’s dismissal was deemed automatically unfair, and Barloworld was ordered to compensate her with 24 months’ salary totaling over R1 million. The judgment sets a significant precedent regarding employees’ privacy rights and drug policies in the workplace.
SAPS SPENT OVER R42 MILLION ON FUEL FOR VIP PROTECTION IN PAST SIX YEARS
Minister of Police Bheki Cele has disclosed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has disbursed over R42 million on petrol and diesel over six years, solely for the VIP Protection fleet. Responding to DA MP Andrew Whitfield’s inquiry, Cele clarified that this expenditure was from 2018 onwards. The National VIP Protection Centre in Gauteng emerged as the top spender in 2023/24, splurging over R2.2 million on fuel. Whitfield criticized the ANC for burdening taxpayers while fuel prices soar, highlighting a recent R52 million increase in the SAPS VIP Protection allocation.
PETROL PRICE GOING UP IN MAY
Motorists can anticipate another hike in fuel prices starting May 1, 2024. The Central Energy Fund (CEF) forecasts a rise of approximately 35 cents per litre for petrol, while diesel prices are expected to decrease by around 30 cents per litre. This impending increase marks a continuation of rising fuel costs throughout the year, with petrol prices having surged by R1.80 since January, despite a 76 cents per litre reduction at the beginning of the year.
HUSBAND AND WIFE SENTENCED IN R200 MILLION SARS FRAUD SCHEME EXPOSED BY GIRLFRIEND ALLOWANCE
Eight individuals faced charges and received sentences from the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg for defrauding SARS of R100 million. Operating between 2009 and 2015, the syndicate orchestrated a VAT fraud scheme, falsely claiming VAT refunds from SARS. Led by four main figures, including two Zimbabwean nationals who fraudulently acquired South African citizenship, the group submitted VAT returns for fictitious entities, alleging expenses for importing and purchasing diesel.
Their arrest in 2015 followed a tip-off from one of the ringleader’s wives, who anonymously alerted SARS about the illegal activities. The exposure reportedly stemmed from marital discord, as the informant learned of her husband’s affair and extravagant spending habits.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA EXTENDS SANDF DEPLOYMENT
President Ramaphosa has prolonged the deployment of SANDF members in Mozambique, the DRC, and the SADC Maritime security strategy. This extension, notified to the National Assembly, aims to fulfill international obligations under the Constitution. Specifically, it targets combating terrorism in Mozambique, supporting MONUSCO in the DRC, and bolstering maritime security in the SADC region. The deployment will continue until year-end, incurring estimated costs of R984 million for Mozambique, R805 million for the DRC, and R35 million for the SADC Maritime Security Strategy.
POST OFFICE AND UNIONS AGREE TO WITHDRAW RETRENCHMENTS
In a significant shift, the South African Post Office has reached an agreement with unions to retract retrenchment notices. The Post Office, along with the Communication Workers Union, South African Postal Workers Union, and Democratic Postal and Communications Union, have agreed to pursue a temporary relief scheme, TERS, for up to 12 months.
Under business rescue since last year, the Post Office initially planned to retrench 6,000 employees. The agreement aims to preserve jobs and mitigate the impact of retrenchments, contingent upon the success of the TERS application.
Should TERS relief be secured, efforts will be made to place affected employees in available positions as the business recovers.
SUSPENDED TEMBISA HOSPITAL CEO PASSES AWAY
Dr. Ashley Mthunzi, the suspended CEO of Tembisa Hospital, has passed away after a brief illness at the age of 45, as confirmed by the Gauteng Health Department. Dr. Mthunzi was placed on precautionary suspension in 2022 amid serious allegations regarding improper procurement and payments to service providers at the hospital.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been investigating the hospital’s supply chain management for the alleged irregular awarding of tenders to over 200 service providers.
BATOHUI CALLS ON PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO FAST-TRACK GUPTA EXTRADITION
National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to expedite the extradition of the Gupta brothers. Rajesh and Atul Gupta, currently in the United Arab Emirates, face charges of money laundering and fraud related to state capture allegations during Jacob Zuma’s presidency. Batohi’s request, confirmed during a media briefing, underscores efforts to bring the brothers to trial in South Africa.
NEW APPLE DISTRIBUTOR ENTERS SOUTH AFRICAN MARKET
After two decades of exclusivity held by Core Group, Apple products in South Africa will now have a new second official distributor, Asbis.
Asbis, already a significant player in the industry, with 27 “iSpace” stores across various countries and serves over 20,000 customers. The company will bring iSpace stores to South Africa, meaning we could possibly see some price competition when it comes to Apple products like iPhone, Macs, and others. Operating from its Johannesburg headquarters, Asbis extends its distribution network to ensure efficient delivery across the region, supported by a new 3,000-square-meter distribution centre.
FLYSAFAIR PLANE LOSES WHEEL ON TAKEOFF FROM JOHANNESBURG
On April 21, 2024, a FlySafair Boeing 737-800, operating flight FA212 from Johannesburg to Cape Town, experienced a critical issue shortly after takeoff from OR Tambo International Airport. The aircraft’s left outer main gear wheel detached during ascent from runway 21R.
In response, the flight crew initiated a controlled return to the airport, entering a holding pattern to reduce fuel load. Approximately 190 minutes after takeoff, air traffic control visually confirmed the missing wheel. The pilots then executed a safe emergency landing back on runway 21R.
While there were no reported injuries among passengers or crew, the landing resulted in additional damage to the remaining wheel assembly, causing operational delays at the airport. Aviation authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
TRIBUTES FOR FORMER TSHWANE MAYOR DR. MURUNWA MAKWARELA
Condolences continue to flow for the late Dr. Murunwa Makwarela, former Mayor of Tshwane, who passed away at the age of 52. Makwarela’s untimely death follows a brief illness, prompting an outpouring of sympathy from across the country. His passing comes shortly after he faced legal proceedings in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court regarding allegations of fraud related to his insolvency status.
Despite the legal challenges, Makwarela is remembered for his contributions to public service and governance in Tshwane.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
