Author: Agency
Eskom board member, Mteto Nyati, says the power utility and its board is working intently on five key priorities to improve the performance of power stations and ease load shedding as swiftly as possible. He was speaking on Thursday during a media briefing to update South Africans on the challenges facing the power utility. Nyati said there are priorities that require day-to-day focus, whilst others require the power utility to be “slightly more strategic”. The five priorities include the 24-month generation recovery plan, which has two key elements. “The first [element] is to make sure that we have and we…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all South Africans to pay for the electricity they use, as the country works towards overcoming the energy crisis. “As we work together to overcome the energy crisis, I call on all South Africans to pay for the electricity they use. We can only improve and expand the provision of electricity and other basic services if government and municipalities in particular have the means to do so. “Non-payment and illegal connections make electricity provision more expensive and less reliable,” the President said. Addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa said the global…
South Africa’s delegation at the recently concluded Annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, affirmed that the country is open to investment, and ready to partner with the local and global community to place the country’s economy on a higher, jobs-rich and more sustainable growth path. This is according to a statement by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, who led South Africa’s delegation to the WEF meeting, which was held from 16 – 20 January 2023. “South Africa is on the road to economic recovery. The world recognises that. We have a long way to go, and economic outlook…
The Department of Small Business Development is working on an energy relief package for the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with stakeholders to alleviate the devastating impact of load shedding on small businesses. SMMEs are particularly hit hard by continued power outages as many cannot afford alternative power sources such as generators. They are forced to pause trading during load shedding. As a result, some small businesses resort to selling perishable goods such as meat and vegetables at low prices, to avoid them rotting away, which affects their much-needed income. This has prompted Minister of Small Business Development Stella…
The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) says it is seeking legal advice and will respond soon to a lawyer’s letter sent to it pertaining to load shedding and the imminent electricity tariff increase. This after a group of lawyers sent a letter to the department demanding, among other things, that the increase granted by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) not be implemented and that load shedding be immediately stopped or an explanation be provided as to why not. “The department received a letter from Mabuza Attorneys demanding that the department and Eskom make certain undertakings regarding load…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has cancelled his travel plans to Davos, Switzerland, in order to deal with the current load shedding crisis in the country. This was announced by the President’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, on Sunday evening. The President was due to lead a South African delegation to Davos on Tuesday and participate in several events linked to the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, including the Dialogue on Economics of Women’s Health and the Annual Welcome Dinner hosted by Professor Klaus and Hilde Schwab. “Due to the ongoing energy crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa has cancelled his working visit to the…
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says international and local challenges continue to pose as obstacles in the growth of the economy. This as real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by some 1.6% in the third quarter of 2022. Speaking at the Pre-World Economic Forum (WEF) business breakfast held in Johannesburg on Thursday, the Minister said the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment and investment continue to have an impact on growth and warned that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine could have a devastating impact. “The theme [for the WEF meeting], Cooperation in a Fragmented World, captures the combination…
The Department of Health (DOH) says it is in consultation with scientists over a highly transmissible variant of the COVID-19 virus. This after media reports over the weekend said the country had found its first case of the variant. “[The department] has been alerted about this highly transmissible XBB.1.5 variant and is currently in discussions with the scientists to gather more information including its transmissibility and severity. Thus, an official communication will be made in due course. “In the meantime [the department] is appealing to everyone to vaccinate, get boosters, wear your masks, keep the distance, avoid overcrowded places and…
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has announced that the price of both grades of petrol will decrease by R2.06 per litre, while diesel is to drop by between R2.68 (500ppm) and R2.80 (50ppm). The new prices, effective from Wednesday, mean that a litre of 95 unleaded petrol will now cost R20.75 at the coast and R21.40 inland. 93 unleaded now costs R21.10. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel is set to drop to R20.79, although retail prices, which vary between outlets, will be higher. The price of Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) will drop by R1.93, while the Single…
Four men have been denied bail in the Carletonville Magistrates’ Court for their alleged involvement in illegal mining. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said the four men – Bethuel Ngobeni, Nhlahla Magwaca and the Sechele brothers, Thabo and Moseki – are part of six men are alleged to be kingpins in illegal mining activities in South Africa. At least two others, Dumisani Moyo and Kudzai Mashaya, also remain behind bars on similar charges. “The six are facing seven counts of unlawful dealing in precious metals, three counts of fraud and money laundering. Four of the accused, Ngobeni, Magwaca,…