Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa s week.
UNDERGROUND CABLE FIRE CAUSES POWER OUTAGES IN JOHANNESBURG CBD
Joburg City Power is grappling with power outages in the CBD, Braamfontein, and Parktown after underground cables caught fire, suspected to be due to cable theft and vandalism. The blaze, which occurred on the M1 highway, has led to closures between Empire Road and the Crown Interchange.
City Power’s preliminary investigation points to vandalism as the cause. Restoration timelines remain uncertain as officials work to assess and repair the damage.
POST OFFICE RETRENCHMENTS TO GO AHEAD
Thousands of Post Office employees will face retrenchment following a failed Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funding application. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) and an Adjudication Committee’s ruling denied the relief sought by joint business rescue practitioners and labor unions.
The Post Office’s financial woes led to its business rescue status, aiming to avert liquidation with a planned bailout. Despite efforts to secure TERS funding, the setback triggers the retrenchment of 4,889 bargaining unit staff members, signaling ongoing challenges for the institution.
GORDHAN: ESKOM,TRANSNET, SAA LOST BILLIONS DUE TO CORRUPTION
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has revealed staggering losses incurred by South Africa’s key state entities due to corruption. Responding to parliamentary inquiries, Gordhan disclosed that Transnet, Eskom, and South African Airways (SAA) collectively lost billions to corruption and bribery over the past five years.
Despite efforts to recoup funds, the damage remains significant, with Transnet bearing the brunt of the losses. Gordhan highlighted ongoing efforts to pursue legal action and recover misappropriated funds.
CITY OF CAPE TOWN HAS ANNOUNCED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO THE CAPE TOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) hits the city this weekend, prompting temporary road closures. From 1 May to 3 May, Burg Street and Longmarket Street sections will be closed from 10 pm to 5 am.
On 2 May, Burg Street (Hout to Shortmarket) and Shortmarket Street (Adderley to Long) will close from 6 am to 5 am. For the main event at the CTICC, Walter Sisulu Avenue (east and west bound) and Jetty Street will close from May 3 to May 4. Alderman JP Smith highlights the City’s preparedness for the festival’s return.
BOXING ICON DINGAAN THOBELA PASSES AWAY
Condolences flood in as boxing legend Dingaan Thobela, known as “The Rose of Soweto,” passes away at 57. Thobela, a three-time world champion across two weight divisions, succumbed to illness at his Johannesburg residence.
Renowned for his prowess, he held the WBO and WBA lightweight titles along with the esteemed WBC super-middleweight belt. Thobela’s legacy extends beyond his titles, embodying resilience and skill in the ring, leaving an indelible mark on the boxing world.
CANAL+ INCREASES STAKE IN MULTICHOICE GROUP
France’s Groupe Canal+ has boosted its ownership in MultiChoice Group, now holding 42.47% of the shares, as per a recent regulatory filing. Working alongside MultiChoice on a mandatory offer to shareholders, Canal+ disclosed purchasing an additional 3.87 million shares between April 25th and April 30th.
While confirming these acquisitions, Canal+ emphasized its compliance with regulatory requirements. The cooperation agreement between MultiChoice and Canal+ aims to facilitate the offer process and ensure mutual cooperation in fulfilling offer conditions and publishing a combined offer circular.
MASSMART PILOTS SMALL MAKRO STORES IN MALLS
Massmart, a subsidiary of global retail giant Walmart, is embarking on an innovative trial project: testing small Makro stores within malls. These compact Makro outlets will be situated within existing Game stores.
This initiative doesn’t signal Game’s demise but rather reflects Massmart’s proactive stance in adapting to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics. Given Game’s prolonged financial challenges, it’s time for innovative strategies.
Evan Walker, portfolio manager at 36ONE Asset Management, sees promise in this approach. Swapping some Game stores for smaller Makro outlets in malls could yield significant benefits, he suggests.
SENZO MEYIWA MURDER TRIAL DELAYED AGAIN
The trial for the murder of Senzo Meyiwa has been postponed to May 13, 2024, marking the third adjournment this week. Defense requested more time to review documents crucial for questioning cell phone data analyst Gideon Gouws, provided on the day of the trial.
As the legal process unfolds, observers await justice for Meyiwa, the former South African football captain tragically killed in 2014.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT DISMISSES REPORTS OF NEW COVID-19 VARIANT
The National Department of Health cautions against false information regarding the Omicron XBB variant circulating on social media. The department urges vigilance, stating that such misinformation aims to instill unnecessary panic. While COVID-19 remains at low levels, immunity from vaccines and prior infections provides protection. The department advises adherence to preventive measures, emphasizing hand hygiene to curb respiratory infections.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases alerts about the peak season of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and impending flu season. High-risk individuals are urged to get vaccinated against influenza to prevent severe health complications.
CURRO TEACHER DISMISSED FOR TELLING A STUDENT TO “STOP LAUGHING LIKE AN IDIOT”
Kavitha Reddy, former head of life sciences at Curro Vanderbijlpark, was terminated in March for telling a student to “stop laughing like an idiot.” The incident, occurring in February 2023, led to charges of serious misconduct. Reddy’s dismissal highlights the school’s commitment to upholding professional conduct.
RAF WORKS TO CLEAR OVER THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND CLAIMS
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is actively addressing a backlog of 321,000 claims awaiting finalization. CEO Collins Letsoalo urges claimants to submit outstanding documents for efficient processing, emphasizing the role of supporting documents in claim resolution. The “Drive Your Claim Forward” campaign encourages timely submission, aiming to expedite settlements within 120 days.
Delays often stem from missing documents, especially comprehensive medical assessments. Letsoalo assures claimants of assistance and advises on document submission methods.
GOVERNMENT ASSURES SAFE AND SECURE ELECTION ENVIRONMENT
With the national and provincial elections just 30 days away, the government assures citizens of a safe and secure voting process. Minister Thandi Modise warns potential disruptors of decisive law enforcement action. Emphasizing the right to vote without intimidation, she pledges readiness of the JCPS Cluster to protect voters and infrastructure. Amidst record contestation, 70 parties and over 14,900 candidates vie for seats.
Coordination between JCPS, IEC, and law enforcement ensures strategic security planning. Measures include safeguarding voting stations and infrastructure. The JCPS reiterates zero tolerance for violence or infringement of constitutional rights, affirming the sanctity of the electoral process.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES PUBLIC TO GET THE FLU VACCINE AS FLU SEASON HITS
As winter approaches, the Department of Health advises increased precautions against respiratory infections. RSV, currently at peak circulation, and the onset of flu season prompt heightened awareness. While COVID-19 remains subdued, RSV’s surge poses risks, especially for young children and the elderly. With flu cases rising, the department emphasizes vaccination for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with underlying conditions. Free flu vaccines are available at public clinics for high-risk individuals. Preventive measures like hand hygiene and avoiding close contact remain vital in curbing transmission. Symptoms such as coughing, fever, and wheezing warrant prompt medical attention.
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