South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Friday 6 December

Never miss a beat when it comes to the latest news in South Africa; be sure to check out all major headlines on Friday 6 December.

As the political playing field experiences severe turbulence in Gauteng’s major metros, South Africans have, once again, been left at the mercy of flailing state-owned enterprises, namely SAA and Eskom – the latter’s let-down resulting in the return of load-shedding. In sports news, the Blitzboks look to further their Rugby Sevens campaign in Dubai.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Friday 6 December

Eskom and the return of load-shedding

While South Africans prepare for the summer holidays, Eskom’s dodgy state of affairs has thrown a chill over the festive cheer. On Thursday evening, the national power utility, suffering from unplanned breakages, poor maintenance plans and severe financial losses, announced that it would be implementing Stage 2 rotational load shedding in order to protect the country’s grid from collapse.

This comes almost a month after the last bout of load-shedding, which disrupted matric exams and the economy at large.

Since November, Eskom has been warning of a “severely constrained” supply system, noting that load-shedding would only be implemented if “absolutely necessary”. Unfortunately for South Africans, already hit with a barrage of bad economic news earlier in the week, Eskom’s “absolutely necessary” reared its ugly head and led to rotational blackouts which are expected to persist into the weekend.

SAA: Business rescue and the path ahead

Another state-owned enterprise teetering on the brink of collapse – and threatening to further embattle the nation’s coffers – South African Airways (SAA) has officially been placed under business rescue by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan with the support of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This comes in the wake of consecutive financial losses, strained operating conditions and debilitating strike action.

The national carrier’s entire operational structure will now be handled exclusively by a business rescue practitioner, tasked with overseeing crucial financial decisions and furthering the contentious restructuring process. While Gordhan has assured the public that business rescue will not disrupt the airline’s flight plans, SAA itself confirmed that changes would be made according to protocols, particularly relating to payment authorisations.

Gauteng: A playing field of political chess

As Johannesburg remains divided over the appointment of ANC mayor, Geoff Makhubo, in a highly contentious election which took place on Wednesday, the political pressure in Tshwane continues to build on the shoulders of the DA.

It’s been a dismal week for the DA in Gauteng; after losing the City of Johannesburg to its arch-rivals and Tshwane hanging in the balance.

Johannesburg, previously run by mayor Herman Mashaba, who left the post after expressing “irreconcilable differences” within the party, was the site of a three-way battle, which eventually saw the ANC come out on top – much to the dismay of both the EFF and DA.

In Tshwane, chaos reigned supreme, after an alleged sex tape saw scandal embattle DA-elected mayor Stevens Mokgalapa and roads and transport MMC Sheila Senkubuge.

Senkubuge resigned from her positions, citing a subversive political plot, while Mokgalapa was placed on “special leave”.

Despite being absent from duty, Mokgalapa was still the subject of a motion of no confidence tabled by the EFF on Thursday.

Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Limpopo

A total of 11 commercial properties with an estimated 14 000 cattle have been found to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) since the outbreak was first discovered in Molemole four weeks ago.

The properties which were found to be infected, include seven in the Capricorn, two in the Vhembe and two in the Mopani district municipalities.

“All affected properties have been linked directly or indirectly to cattle sold at auctions. Further follow-up investigation and sampling is still being conducted to determine the extent of the outbreak,” a joint statement by Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, and Limpopo’s FMD technical task team said.

According to the statement, all suspected and infected properties have been placed under quarantine and no livestock is allowed to move in, through or out of the affected properties.

The neighbouring properties have also been placed under quarantine.

“Quarantine on the suspected and neighbouring properties will be lifted as soon as it has been proven that all animals on these properties are free of FMD. The owners of infected properties have been given slaughter options to facilitate depopulation,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza has gazetted a national ban on the gathering of cloven-hoofed animals, including livestock auctions, shows and similar activities. (Source: SAnews)

Supersport United teenager impresses Tembo on PSL debut

Supersport United’s teenaged midfielder Oswin Appolis has impressed coach Kaitano Tembo after coming off the bench against Stellenbosch FC.

Appolis came within inches of grabbing a sensational winner in the midweek clash with Stellies. The moment of the match for the 18-year-old arrived when he cut inside from the right and lashed a left-footed shot into the woodwork.

Tembo is keen to give the South Africa Under-20 starlet a chance to break through into the first team and contribute to the club’s push for the title.

Supersport are 10 points adrift of league leaders Kaizer Chiefs, but occupy second spot on the log by virtue of a goal difference superior to that of third-placed Sundowns.

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