South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Monday 25 November
Keep up to date with the latest news in South Africa by reviewing our daily overview of major headlines on Monday 25 November.
While South African Airways (SAA) operations have returned to ‘normal’ following a devastating strike, political battles in Gauteng are set to heat up amid mayoral mêlées and alleged sex scandals. In sports news, Maritzburg United celebrate a victory over Kaizer Chiefs to reach the Telkom Cup final.
Today’s latest news in South Africa, Monday 25 November
SAA ‘back on track’ despite lingering financial woes
South Africa’s national carrier has returned to the sky, following a week of debilitating strike action spearheaded by unions amid wage disputes and retrenchment strategies. The industrial action, which saw almost all of SAA’s flights grounded for a week, came to an official close on Friday, with the airline capitulating to union demands.
Still, fierce financial difficulties continue to plague SAA, with management announcing that November salaries would not be paid on time. The airline is soon to find out if its plea for financial assistance will be granted by the National Treasury. Business rescue, tabled by Solidarity, as a means of external administrative relief, also looms.
SAA has lost more than R28 billion over the past 13 years and, in light of its restructuring process, due to begin in the new year, will require government assistance to remain airborne.
The recent strike action is estimated to have cost the airline in excess of R250 million.
Gauteng’s complicated political future
Political turbulence, both in Johannesburg and Tshwane, is likely to upset the apple cart, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) expected to be the biggest losers. In Johannesburg, a fierce mayoral battle, brewing between the DA, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and, surprisingly, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) will heat up this week.
This comes in the wake of Mayor Herman Mashaba’s resignation, which will take effect on Wednesday. Mashaba chose to hang up the towel following the DA’s internal leadership changes, exemplified by the return of Helen Zille. While the DA is hoping to retain South Africa’s financial hub, the EFF has confirmed that it will be contesting the mayoral position. Adding to the DA’s woes, it’s reported that the African National Congress (ANC) will be backing the IFP in the convoluted power-struggle.
The City of Johannesburg will hold an election on Thursday.
Tshwane has also been rocked by controversy involving DA-elected Executive Mayor, Stevens Mokgalapa, after an audio recording of an alleged ‘sex scandal’ emerged over the weekend. It’s claimed that Mokgalapa was recorded while having sex with the City’s roads and transport MMC, Sheila Senkubuge. The leaked audio also revealed alleged infighting within the DA.
This comes at the worst possible time for Mokgalapa and the DA, as a motion of no confidence in the mayoral is due to be heard later this week. Both the EFF and ANC have vowed to support the motion.
Time’s running out: Struggle to place learners for 2020
Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, remains concerned about the 9 000 learners still awaiting placement for next year’s school term. While the number outstanding placements has dropped dramatically from 34 000, thousands of grade one and eight learners are yet to be assigned. With time running out, Lesufi confirmed that efforts would be redoubled to place every grade one learner as a priority.
The MEC added that Centurion and Alberton were particularly problematic areas in the province. Lesufi noted that late registration would open in January.
Ramaphosa visits beleaguered Medupi Power Station
Today, president Cyril Ramaphosa will be conducting an official visit to the Limpopo province, where, amongst other activities, he will be conducting an inspection of the plagued Medupi Power Station.
This visit comes at a time when Eskom, South Africa’s national power supplier, is severely troubled by financial failures, management changes and dubious maintenance programmes. Medupi is largely regarded as typifying Eskom’s glaring operational incompetence.
The coal-fired plant, which has been criticised by environmental agencies, has cost South Africa R234 billion and is still operating well-below capacity as a result of ‘technical issues’.
Recently, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan ordered a forensic audit into the delays and irregular expenditure incurred by the Medupi project. Ramaphosa is expected to tour the plant and interact with staff.
Kaizer Chiefs cup drought to stretch close to five years
Kaizer Chiefs run the risk of extending their trophyless run to five years after crashing out of the Telkom Knockout on Sunday.
The Glamour Boys were outclassed by Maritzburg United at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat on front of an expectant crowd.
This has seen the Team of Choice book a spot in the final, to be contested against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 14 December.
Super Rugby 2020: Five players who could provide a spark for the Lions
The post-Rugby World Cup shape up ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season seems to have hit the Lions the hardest.
The Lions led the South African charge in Super Rugby in the years that followed the 2015 Rugby World Cup but preseason departures, retirements and doping bans have stripped their squad of experience and x-factor players.
An incredible 16 members of their 2019 squad have either moved to other organizations or retired, threatening to consign the Lions nightmare campaign in what remains the toughest provincial competition in the world.
Latest weather forecast, Monday 25 November
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