Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S INAUGURAL SITTING SET FOR TODAY AT CAPE TOWN ICC
The South African National Assembly is gearing up for its first sitting at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will oversee the swearing-in ceremony, where newly elected members will take their oaths or affirmations. Following this, the Assembly will proceed with the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, marking a crucial step in the country’s democratic process.
The National Assembly, responsible for legislative matters, will see the Speaker ensuring orderly debates, with the Deputy Speaker providing support. This event not only initiates parliamentary duties but also offers transparency to the public regarding legislative proceedings.
GAUTENG POLICE COMMISSIONER REPORTS ARREST OF OVER 50 OFFICERS
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni announced the arrest of over 50 police officers for crimes including murder, rape, and corruption. Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday, Mthombeni reflected on his first 100 days in office, emphasizing the fight against corruption as a priority.
“We managed to arrest 51 of our own members, with 12 already discharged. Among them, five were dismissed for corruption, two for fraud, one for murder, and one for rape. We continue making strides to ensure communities feel safe,” Mthombeni stated. SABC reports.
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DISMISSES MK PARTY’S BID TO HALT PARLIAMENT’S FIRST SITTING
The Constitutional Court has rejected the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party’s attempt to block the first sitting of the National Assembly scheduled for Friday. The MK party sought an interdict to prevent the session from proceeding, but the court ruled that the matter did not fall within its exclusive jurisdiction as claimed by the party.
According to South Africa’s Constitution, the first sitting of parliament must convene within 14 days after election results are declared, with the Chief Justice determining the specific date and time for the sitting.
6 CASES OF MPOX CONFIRMED, TWO PEOPLE DIED FROM THE DISEASE
South Africa has reported 6 confirmed cases of monkeypox (Mpox) in the past month, including two deaths from the disease. Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla has announced a second death linked to Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in less than 24 hours after the initial update on efforts to control the infectious disease. The deceased, a 38-year-old male patient living with HIV, succumbed to Mpox complications in uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal.
His symptoms included extensive lesions, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain. This brings the total cases in South Africa to six, with two fatalities. The Health Department is collaborating with provincial authorities to investigate further, stressing the importance of early diagnosis, hygiene practices, and minimizing contact with potential carriers.
SHOPPERS TO PAY MORE FOR TEMU AND SHEIN ORDERS FOLLOWING BIG TAX HIKES
Big changes are coming for South African shoppers who buy from online stores like Shein and Temu.
Starting July 1, 2024, taxes on small clothing packages from international e-commerce sites will be the same as those for larger shipments. This change is to level the playing field for local retailers.
Currently, South Africa has different tax rates based on the value of imported clothing packages. For packages over R500, there’s a 45% import duty plus VAT. Packages under R500 have about a 20% import duty and no VAT. This has allowed shoppers to get cheaper deals on fashion items from sites like Shein and Temu.
However, South African businesses have complained that these companies are exploiting tax loopholes by breaking up large orders into smaller packages to avoid higher taxes. In response, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Customs will change their approach.
KZN STORMS DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT R1.3 BILLION
The KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department has revealed that the recent heavy storms in the province have caused damages exceeding R1.3 billion, with eThekwini Metro alone accounting for over R490 million of the total. The storms, which claimed 12 lives and affected over 7,000 households across six districts, left a significant impact on infrastructure including schools, roads, bridges, and electricity networks.
Government efforts, supported by social partners and private donors, are focused on providing relief and rebuilding efforts. Initiatives include distributing building materials, providing social services like identity document replacement, and offering Social Relief of Distress support through food vouchers, meals, mattresses, and blankets. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube commended the collaborative efforts to assist affected families, aiming to restore normalcy despite the challenging circumstances.
ANC JOINS IFP, NFP, AND DA IN FORMING KZN COALITION
In a strategic move, the ANC has allied with the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, and National Freedom Party to form a coalition government in KwaZulu Natal. This coalition aims to prevent the Umkhonto WeSizwe party, which garnered 45% of the votes in the province, from gaining power.
Reports indicate that the coalition partners will support IFP provincial chairperson Thami Ntuli as their premier candidate. This decision highlights the shifting political landscape as parties navigate alliances to establish control in various provinces.
ESKOM CLARIFIES: LOAD REDUCTION IS NOT LOAD SHEDDING
Eskom has clarified that load reduction differs from load shedding amidst widespread power cuts across the country. The utility company stated that over 2,000 transformers are frequently overloaded and at risk of failure, with under 1,000 already isolated and awaiting replacement.
These issues primarily stem from electricity theft through illegal connections, network equipment theft, vandalism, meter bypasses, and tampering. Eskom’s statement aims to distinguish load reduction measures taken to protect equipment from the rolling blackouts known as load shedding.
POLICE CONSTABLE SHOOT & KILLS WIFE AND SIBLINGS AFTER BEING CALLED ‘BOY’: SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS
Sizwe Cedric Khoza, a former police constable in Mpumalanga, has been sentenced to three life terms in prison for murdering his wife and her two siblings during a family dispute. Khoza shot his wife and her sisters, both nurses, in a fit of rage after being insulted during a family meeting aimed at resolving marital issues. The tragic incident occurred in cold blood, leaving the community shocked. Khoza pleaded guilty to three counts of murder in the High Court in Mbombela, accepting responsibility for the senseless violence that took three lives.
MULTICHOICE GROUP REPORTS REVENUE AND SUBSCRIBER LOSSES IN FY24
MultiChoice Group’s FY24 results reveal notable losses, with the company’s total group revenue dropping by 5% to ZAR 56.0 billion and trading profit falling 21% to ZAR 7.9 billion. Despite achieving ZAR 1.9 billion in cost savings, the company faced substantial challenges. The free cash flow plummeted by 79% to ZAR 589 million, largely due to investments in Showmax and unfavorable currency impacts.
The subscriber base also saw a steep decline, with a 9% overall drop translating to a loss of approximately 1.8 million subscribers. The Rest of Africa experienced a 13% reduction in subscribers, though Showmax saw a 16% increase in paying subscribers despite its trading losses of ZAR 2.6 billion. The company’s focus on cost management and new service launches has not yet offset these significant losses.
MultiChoice announced a staggering R4.1 billion deficit for the fiscal year that concluded on 31 March 2024.
MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA PLANS TO RETRENCH 700 WORKERS IN EAST LONDON
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) plans to retrench 700 workers at its East London manufacturing plant in an effort to improve operational performance. The company has announced a shift from three shifts a day to two, initiating a consultation process to discuss restructuring.
MBSA cites ongoing challenges in the automotive industry, including poor macroeconomic conditions, prolonged port issues, a volatile exchange rate, and rising costs. Despite efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses, the company deems further actions necessary to ensure long-term sustainability. The consultation follows Section 189(3) of the Labour Relations Act.
TOBACCO USE IN SA STILL HIGH : AVERAGE DAILY SMOKER CONSUMES 8 CIGARETTES
South Africa continues to grapple with high smoking rates, according to the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) released by the Department of Health. The survey, covering 7,245 households, reveals a national tobacco use prevalence of 29.4%. Men (41.7%) are notably higher users than women (17.9%). The average daily smoker consumes 8.5 cigarettes, with significant regional variations—highest in Northern Cape and lowest in Limpopo.
Concerningly, many start young, with an average initiation age of 17.6 years. Second-hand smoke exposure remains prevalent, notably in public places. The government is ramping up efforts, including potential bans on e-cigarettes and hookahs, to combat rising tobacco use among the youth.
SPRINGBOKS ANNOUNCE SQUAD FOR FIRST TRAINING CAMP OF 2024
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus revealed a 35-player squad for the season’s first training camp in Pretoria. The squad, blending seasoned veterans and fresh talent, includes 11 uncapped players. Cheslin Kolbe, a two-time World Cup winner, is undergoing rehabilitation and hopes to be fit for the Castle Lager Incoming Tour against Ireland.
Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese are included but unavailable for the Wales Test on June 22 in London. Players from Europe, the UK, Ireland, and the Vodacom Bulls were excluded, while local talents from the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Emirates Lions, and DHL Stormers were named.
Share your thoughts on this article and join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.
