South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday 11 March
Stay informed and up to date with all the latest news in South Africa by reviewing major headlines on Wednesday 11 March 2020.
As Eskom’s operational capacity shudders following a dire fault at the Koeberg Power Plant outside Cape Town, load shedding ramps up to Stage 4 at the worst possible time for the South African economy. Questions still hang over the Health Department’s readiness to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus and minister Zweli Mkhize’s transparency over test protocols. In sports news, the Proteas put in their final preparations ahead of the ODI against India on Thursday.
Today’s latest news in South Africa, Wednesday 11 March
Koeberg trips Eskom up, Stage 4 load shedding implemented
Things have gone from bad to worse at the embattled power utility. On Tuesday afternoon, after already ratcheting the load shedding schedule up from Stage 1 to Stage 2 overnight, Eskom announced that, due to a turbine fault at Koeberg which caused a generating unit to trip, the grid was placed under severe pressure.
As a result of the major blow to power production and with loss of capacity due to breakdowns nearing 12 000 MW, Eskom was forced to implement Stage 4 load shedding. The beleaguered state owned enterprise, which is already operating at decreased capacity due to an emergency maintenance plan, has been unable to confirm a repair time at Koeberg.
This comes at the worst possible time for the South African economy, as the oil crash in the Middle East, together with global coronavirus fears, wreaks havoc on the Rand and local stock exchange.
It’s estimated that Eskom’s load shedding schedule, as a result of its critical maintenance project, will cost the South African economy R180 billion over the next 18 months.
Courtroom victory for Ramaphosa: The final nail in Mkhwebane’s coffin?
Another courtroom defeat for the already-troubled Public Protector may seal her fate ahead of a landmark parliamentary process. On Tuesday, the Pretoria High Court determined that, in stark contrast to Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s report, President Cyril Rampahosa had, in fact, not misled Parliament with regards to funding of his CR17 election campaign.
In what has added to a long report card of damning judicial blows, the court found that Mkhwebane’s investigation into alleged donations by Gavin Watson of African Global Operations – formerly Bosasa – was both flawed and unlawful.
The presidency released a statement in the wake of the ruling, welcoming the court’s judgement which reaffirmed Ramaphosa’s innocence.
Mkhwebane is due to face a parliamentary process which will set a protocol for the removal of Chapter 9 institution leaders. It’s alleged that Mkhwebane has acted unconstitutionally by using her office’s powers to fight political battles.
EFF’s Godrich Gardee resigns as a Member of Parliament
Godrich Gardee, former Secretary General of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), confirmed his resignation as an MP on Tuesday, announcing his decision to focus his time and energy as a candidate attorney.
Gardee, who is no stranger to controversy, faced criticism from with the EFF in the lead-up to the party’s second elective conference. The long-standing EFF member, who recently qualified as a lawyer, was accused of being a divisive force within the party.
Vuyani Pambo, the EFF’s national spokesperson, confirmed that Gardee was working fulltime at Mabuza Attorneys. Importantly, Pambo added that Gardee would continue to serve on the EFF’s central command team.
CPUT students return to campus following class closures
Following a brief impasse resulting from the disruption of classes at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), lectures were reinstated on Wednesday as calm was restored. University spokesperson Lauren Kansley confirmed that students were slowly returning to classes and that the atmosphere on campus remained quiet.
Meanwhile, at other universities across South Africa, student protests continue to force the suspension of lectures. All academic activities at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) remain suspended following protests which saw burning tyres and debris block the entrance to the Pretoria West campus.
SAA begins retrenchment consultation process
The business rescue practitioners (BRPs) of South African Airways (SAA) have issued a notice advising employees of the intention to begin retrenchment consultations.
In a statement, the BRPs said they have been engaging with SAA unions in relation to the process and the intention to begin the consultation process.
“Our intention has always been to preserve as many jobs as possible through this process, while still focusing on having a sustainable airline and platform for growth,” said the business rescue practitioners on Monday.
SAA has experienced numerous financial and business challenges, which resulted in losses of some R26 billion over six years.
“Load factors on the airline have declined steadily from August 2019 to a low of 71% in January 2020. Forward sales have also declined significantly, with all markets showing negative or minimal growth, within a very competitive market,” said the BRPs.
The recent marked decline in travel due to the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) is expected to further exacerbate matters. (Source: SAnews)
India vs South Africa: First ODI at Dharamsala – preview
The Proteas are in India to complete the second instalment of their bilateral engagement with a three-match ODI series.
The series gets underway at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. The city nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas is one of the most breath-taking places the game of cricket is played.
South Africa played the very first T20I at the venue but this will be the Proteas maiden ODI at the HPCA Stadium.
India have played four ODIs at the venue, losing two and winning two. The side batting second has won three of the four contests at the ground.
Latest weather forecast, Wednesday 11 March
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