South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday 18 December

Never miss a beat when it comes to the latest news in South Africa – be sure to check out all major headlines on Wednesday 18 December.

As South Africans prepare to enjoy the festive season break, government has redoubled efforts to mitigate the customary carnage experiences on the country’s road during the December period. In other matters of national importance, Eskom is hoping to secure the services of incoming CEO, Andre de Ruyter, sooner than initially planned, with the hope to keep load shedding under wraps in accordance with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s promises to the nation.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Wednesday 18 December

Government hoping to curb road carnage this December

The festive period is notoriously the deadliest period on South Africa’s roads. Drunk driving, unroadworthy vehicles and overload – all coupled with an increase in traffic volumes – results in thousands of fatalities in December and January. This year, government has committed to redoubling its efforts in an attempt to mitigate the carnage.

Numerous law enforcement agencies, together with inter-departmental safety strategies, have rolled out a plan of action which aims to enforce harsher penalties for those who disregard the rules of the road this festive season.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has already instructed police to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving and will intensify the presence of road blocks and spot checks. Police Minister Bheki Cele has cancelled leave for officers, who will be expected to conduct routing patrols throughout the festive season.

Commenting on the multifaceted festive season safety plans, Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, said:

“The responsibility to reduce carnage on the roads lies with every one of us.”

Andre de Ruyter could join Eskom sooner than first expected

Andre de Ruyter, who was earlier appointed as Eskom CEO to take up the position in January 2020, could be persuaded to join the embattled state owned enterprise sooner than first expected. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan confirmed that in light of the recent energy crisis, which manifested in a dire bout of load shedding, de Ruyter would be requested to enter the fray before the New Year.

Mthembu said Gordhan was mandated by Cabinet to negotiate an earlier start date with the incoming CEO, saying:

“We don’t think that we must tie his hands before he even resumes his work.”

In addition to de Ruyter’s appointment, president Ramaphosa reaffirmed government’s commitment to Eskom’s turn-around strategy, by reinstituting an Energy War Room, which is to be headed by  Deputy President David Mabuza, and include the Ministers of Finance, Minerals and Energy and Public Enterprises.

Outcry over Ramaphosa’s festive season remissions

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to “pardon” 14 000 prisoners has been condemned by the Democratic Alliance (DA). Glynnis Breytenbach, Shadow Minister of Justice and Correctional Services for the DA, described Ramaphosa’s “special remissions” programme as a “slap in the face for victims of crime”.

While Ramaphosa promised to only release prisoners not convicted of serious crimes like murder, rape and gender-based violence, serious concerns remain. Breytenbach said:

The under-resourced and severely constrained police force works tirelessly, often with little or no recognition to investigate crime and prepare evidence for criminal trial.

“Prosecutors work equally tirelessly under severe constraints to prosecute those cases in an effort to make South Africa a safer place for all. The fruits of their hard labour are now to be rewarded by “special remissions” for over 14 000 convicted criminals.

The slap in the face that this reckless, foolhardy approach represents to the literally thousands of South Africans who fall victim to crime on a daily basis, cannot be overstated.

To suggest, as the ANC does, that South African prisons “shall only (be) for serious crimes against the people, and shall aim at re-education, not vengeance” is to understate the nature of the problem to the point of the bizarre.”

Contentious Expropriation Bill moves onto the next stage

The Expropriation Bill was another legislative piece that has been approved for comment by Cabinet.

Mthembu said the Bill has been enhanced by inputs from the extensive consultation with the public and from different formations.

“Once passed into law, the Bill will provide uniform procedures to be followed when effecting the expropriation.

It provides a legal framework for government departments and other organs of state in the three spheres of government to apply uniform land and other infrastructure expropriation procedures,” he said.

The bill will see the amendment of Section 25 of the South African Constitution. (Source: SAnews)

Paarl Rocks wins 2019 Mzansi Super League

Cricket SA (CSA) has congratulated the Paarl Rocks on being crowned Mzansi Super League (MSL) champions.

The Rocks claimed the title when they beat the Tshwane Spartans by eight wickets at Boland Park on Sunday.

“Congratulations to our deserving champions,” said CSA Acting Chief Executive Jacques Faul, “and indeed congratulations go to all the teams for making this a thrilling tournament in spite of the severe weather conditions that disrupted it at times.

“The fact that five of the six teams were still in contention for the knock-out phase right up to the last round of league play says it all. One of the standout features for me has been the commitment of our players which has resulted in a very high standard of play that stands comparison with similar tournaments around the world.” (Source: ANA)

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