South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Tuesday 7 January

Never miss a beat when it comes to the latest news in South Africa; review all of the country’s biggest headlines on Tuesday 7 January.

The long wait for the matric class of 2019 is finally over, at least for private school learners, as examination results become public knowledge. Meanwhile, renewed concerns regarding Eskom’s operational standing – and a much-loathed push to hike electricity tariffs – are expected to reach a climax before the week is done. In cricket news, the Proteas face a fierce uphill battle against England at Newlands.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Tuesday 7 January

Private school matric results out today

The future hopes and dreams of some matriculants hang on today’s much-anticipated examination results announcement. While the education department is due to release all results tomorrow (8 January), private schools results will be released today – with ‘unofficial’ estimates, for public schools, painting a grim picture of the percentage of students who ‘dropped out’ before reaching their final hurdle.

Still, it’s unlikely that overall statistics will present too big of a shock. One source has suggested that the pass rate will exceed 80%, which, if true, would rival the ‘best-recorded’ figure in 2013.

Here’s how to access your 2019 matric results.

Troubled times ahead for Eskom and South African consumers

Although Eskom has managed to limit load shedding, which disrupted South Africa’s electrical grid over the weekend, analysts have explained that neither the nation nor the utility is out of troubled waters just yet.

Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer explained that technical catastrophes – similar to those recently experienced at the cursed Medupi power station – could arise at any given moment, plunging the country back into protracted darkness.

Further enraging South Africans, it’s been reported that, not only is Eskom seeking to award performance bonuses to the value of R1.8 billion, the embattled power utility, which is teetering on the brink of financial collapse, is also looking to raise electricity tariffs. Oberholzer confirmed that Eskom is aiming to increase the cost-to-consumer by 16%, which, he admits, “will pose a significant challenge to the economy”.

NSFAS processing record number of applications

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will prioritise poor and vulnerable students in its 2020 funding allocation.

This comes as the Scheme announced that it had received a record number of 543 268 first-time funding applications by the end of its application period on 30 November 2019.

“We are happy to report that by November 30, 2019 the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) had received a record number of 543 268 first-time ever applications (prior year 428 929) by the closing date,” it said on Monday.

The (NSFAS) had embarked on a series of roadshows across the country aimed at getting prospective students to apply for funding at tertiary institutions across the country.

The scheme has prioritised poor and vulnerable students and to this end just under 50% of applications have been received from social grant beneficiaries. (Source: SAnews)

DA vows to ‘turn Tshwane around’ in the face of turbulence

Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Provincial Leader, John Moodey, has reiterated his party’s commitment to the people of Tshwane, despite recent scandals almost ripping the metro out from under the DA. Moodey noted that while investigations into Tshwane Executive Mayor Stevens Mokgalapa, who was accused of being involved in a sexual affair with former MMC for roads and transport Sheila Senkubuge had concluded, Abel Tau would continue to the lead the city.

This comes after both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (ANC) launched a bid to have Mokgalapa officially removed from office.

Moodey also added that the DA would address the following issues:

• Hammanskraal water crisis
• Tshwane floods
• Water interruptions at Cullinan

Kaizer Chiefs: Middendorp breaks silence on Akumu rumours

Kaizer Chiefs coach Middendorp did not want to reveal much when quizzed on his interest in Kenyan midfielder Anthony Akumu.

The German tactician has recently indicated that he was satisfied with what he had at his disposal, hinting at minimal changes to his squad during the January transfer window.

However, the Glamour Boys have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old, who recently left Zambian giants ZESCO United.

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