South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday 26 February

Never miss a beat when it comes to the latest news in South Africa; stay up to date with all major headlines on Wednesday 26 February 2020.

All eyes turn to parliament today, where Finance Minister Tito Mboweni will deliver his much-anticipated 2020 Budget Speech. In Gauteng, residents of Soweto plan to protest Eskom’s heavy-handed disconnection programme ahead of a march to the utility’s headquarters which is due to be led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). In sports news, the Proteas may have to face Australia in their final T20 encounter minus some star players.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Wednesday 26 February

Budget Speech 2020: All eyes on Mboweni

South Africans are likely to be glued to their televisions, radios and cellphones today as Mboweni addresses the country’s grim state of financial affairs. The finance minister is expected to deliver his address to the National Assembly at 14:00.

Economic analysts have painted a generally poor picture of expectations relating to the Budget Speech, which occurs just one day after the JSE and rand were dealt heavy blows as a result of both domestic and international concerns. Analysts agree that, in order to cure South Africa’s economic malaise and cultivate financial growth, Mboweni needs to produce nothing short of a miracle.

Political analysts have, however, warned that Mboweni finds himself in an uneasy predicament; harsh steps which need to be taken in order to avert South Africa from sinking into ‘junk status’ will likely be opposed by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) for fear of voter reprisal and emboldening factionalism.

Protests against Eskom due to heat up

Disgruntled Soweto residents have vowed to continue their ‘shutdown’ following poorly-attended rallies on Tuesday. What was intended to result in a complete ‘Soweto shutdown’ ended up being no more than small crowds chanting and carrying placards. Law enforcement agencies, who were present throughout the day, did not report any riotous behaviour.

Protesters are expected to return to the streets today in a show of dissatisfaction with Eskom and government’s plans to enforce payment for electricity. Soweto currently owes Eskom in excess of R18 billion for unpaid electricity.

In an attempt to speed-up the payment process – and the instillation of prepaid meters – Eskom recently embarked on a disconnection programme which saw thousands of defaulting households left in the dark.

This move was met with fierce resistance by residents who claim that government betrayed initial communal agreements after the fall of apartheid.

The EFF, who have waged war on Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and the supposed privatisation of Eskom, are organising a mass march to the utility’s headquarters at Megawatt Park in Johannesburg on Friday.

Minister Mbalula gets tough on copper thieves

Copper thieves should be charged with economic sabotage rather than common theft, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula suggested in Parliament on Tuesday.

Mbalula told the portfolio committee on transport that stolen copper rail cables were exported to India through Mozambique by syndicates, and simply charging suspects with theft failed to properly address a crime crippling commuter rail services.

“This sort of crime must see you sent to jail. It is economic sabotage,” he said.

Mbalula said if cable thieves were arrested, they were soon released on bail and likely to return to stealing cables “that afternoon” because it was so lucrative.

He said it was clear that employees of the embattled Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) were colluding with the thieves and syndicates.

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that cable theft cost the economy somewhere between R5 billion and R7 billion a year. (Source: ANA)

Pilchards recall from SA supermarkets intensifies

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has ordered all formal wholesalers, retailers and informal traders to remove and stop selling 400g pilchards in tomato sauce and 400g pilchards in chili sauce with immediate effect.

This follows the outcome of an investigation the NRCS conducted, which revealed a deficiency in the canning process.

The affected products bear the markings starting with ZST29 and ZSC29 on top of the cans.

Addressing the media in Tshwane on Tuesday, Food and Associated Industries General Manager at the NRCS, Meisie Katz, said they are recalling all products packaged in June 2019.

Katz explained that during the packaging of the affected products, they discovered that during the process of the sauce filling step, an incision took place, which makes the cans leak after some time.

She explained that there is no problem with the content, but the problem is with the packaging of the content.

“Some of the cans were compromised during the sauce filling step on the production line, therefore could affect the safety of consumers.

“The problem manifests itself after months of storage, which causes the content of the can to react with the metal of the can,” Katz said. (Source: SAnews)

SA looking for first series win since March 2019 in final T20 against Australia

With the series level at 1-1, South Africa and Australia will be keen to give it their all in the deciding T20 International in Newlands, Cape Town, on Wednesday.

Going into the final game, both teams have questions to answer. While Australia’s top order is one of the most dangerous units in world cricket, the middle order isn’t quite as seasoned and can be susceptible under pressure, as was the case in the previous game.

For South Africa, the middle order remains a concern as well. Rassie van der Dussen played a useful hand from batting at four in the previous game, and the hosts will hope that he can continue in a similar fashion. In the bowling department, there is a tendency to blow hot and cold, and if the unit is able to string two good games together after sparkling in Port Elizabeth, it will be a source of confidence.

South Africa haven’t won a series in any format since March 2019, when they won a T20I series against Sri Lanka at home. They will be desperate to end that streak when they face Australia in Newlands. (Source: ANA)

Kaizer Chiefs: Soweto Derby comes at a bad time for Middendorp

Kaizer Chiefs head into their clash with Orlando Pirates this weekend off the back of successive failures but well aware of what is at stake.

Chiefs have stuttered in their push for the Premiership title suffering an upset loss at home against Maritzburg United and were dumped out of the Nedbank Cup on penalties this weekend.

Coach Ernst Middendorp admitted that the match doesn’t come at the best time for Kaizer Chiefs who still lead the league but appear to be feeling the pressure of a title tilt.

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