South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Black Friday 29 November

Check out the latest news in South Africa with this special Black Friday edition dominating headlines on 29 November.

It’s a day shopping delight, as retailers and online stores welcome the Black Friday rush. Pandemonium of a political variety is expected to continue in Gauteng, where two separate mayoral challenges have devolved into fierce legal contests and postponements. In sports news, a weekend of exciting PSL fixtures has soccer-fans on the edge of their seats.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Black Friday 29 November

Black Friday marks the start of the festive season spending

Although Black Friday originated as an American tradition, globalisation and worldwide trends have ensured its popularity across the globe, even in South Africa. Today will see millions of shoppers – both online and at physical supermarkets – rushing to get their hands on the best bargains on offer.

Those sitting in the comfort of their homes or offices, delving into the day’s specials, digitally, will be treated to videos of the chaos in stores. On the other hand, old-school shoppers, who survive the maddened rush, will avoid frustrating online failures – another staple of Black Friday’s volume.

If you’ve left all your planning to the last minute, worry not, we’ve got you covered with some articles to help you thrive amongst the consumer-driven chaos:

Five top tips to surviving Black Friday in South Africa

Black Friday: Here’s what Takealot has in store for online shoppers

Black Friday: All the Pick n Pay deals you need to know about

Black Friday 2019: The fashion you can’t do without

Mayoral mix-ups in Joburg and Tshwane stifle progress

Mayoral contests in Gauteng have been marred by confusion, following postponed elections in the City of Johannesburg and Tshwane – both metropolitan centres controlled by the Democratic Alliance (DA). In what was described as one of the darkest days for the political party, its grip on Gauteng has been severly weakened following the resignation of Herman Mashaba, in Joburg, and a ‘sex scandal’ which has forced Tshwane mayor Stevens Mokgalapa on leave.

While Mokgalapa exits the bright political limelight, only to be replaced by Abel Tau as acting mayor, both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African National Congress (ANC), which were determined to enact a motion of no confidence on Thursday, are crying foul. While it seems that the DA has managed to dodge a bullet, the EFF and ANC argue that the motion of no confidence in Mokgalapa should still be heard, even in his absence.

The legality of such a move has come under question and, as it currently stands, the DA live to fight another day in Tshwane.

The situation in Joburg, however, is for more daunting for party which has recently been hit with top-level resignations in quick succession. While voting was scheduled to take place on Thursday, Joburg Council Speaker, Vasco da Gama, announced that he required a ‘second legal opinion’ before proceeding – much to the fury of the EFF and ANC, the latter proposing Geoff Makhubo as their mayoral candidate.

The ANC, which was likely to win Thursday’s vote if the EFF either supported Makhubo or abstained, has announced its decision to challenge da Gama’s delay in court. ANC regional secretary, Dada Morero, said:

“We will raise the matter with the court … So that the court can give a declaratory order in terms of the argument on the majority.”

Voting is expected to take place at the next council sitting on Wednesday 4 December. Until then, pending the outcome of the ANC’s legal bid, the City of Johannesburg remains mayor-less.

Eskom debt pegged at R454 billion

While encouraged by the achievement of an improved net profit and increased EBIDTA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) for the six months ending on 30 September, financial and operational performance at Eskom remains a challenge.

Eskom has achieved an EBITDA of R30.6 billion compared to R28.3 billion over the same period last year and a net profit of R1.3 billion compared to R0.6 billion in the same period last year.

Debt has increased to R454 billion.

A total of 61% of funding for the 2020 financial year has been secured by September 2019. However, the savings of R5.6 billion achieved could be negatively impacted to year end by spend on diesel to stabilise the grid.

The group’s total revenue has increased by 10%, primarily as a result of NERSA’s overall tariff determination of 13.87% for the year. Local sales volumes declined by 1.29% compared to September 2018, mainly in industrial and distributor categories. International sales have shown an increase in the past six months.

The municipal arrear debt continued to increase to R25.1 billion, an average growth of over R850 million per month.

This is according to Eskom’s Interim Executive Chairman and Acting Group Chief Executive, Jabu Mabuza. (Source: SAnews)

Enoch Nkwe to remain Proteas team director for England series

Proteas interim team director Enoch Nkwe will remain in charge of the team going into the four-Test home series against England.

South Africa play the world champions in a series beginning on Boxing Day in Centurion, and concluding in Johannesburg in late January.

After remodelling the coaching structures, following a pitiful Cricket World Cup campaign, Cricket South Africa (CSA) was yet to employ a permanent team director as well as a director of cricket.

Nkwe – who had some success coaching the Highveld Lions and the Jozi Stars – was placed in charge on an interim basis.

Blitzboks: Senatla, Nel return for Dubai Sevens

Blitzboks’ all-time leading try-scorer, Seabelo Senatla is back in the fold, along with Stormers teammate Ruhan Nel, ahead of the opening weekend of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

The duo are two of the three players, who were not present in the previous series, who now return in time for Dubai.

Another returnee is reigning SA Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Dylan Sage, while Bulls winger Rosko Specman is back after a season of 15-man rugby.

They make up a strong squad, captained by Siviwe Soyizwapi, which consists of experienced players such as Justin Geduld, Chris Dry and Zain Davids.

Latest weather forecast, Friday 29 November

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