South Africa

Trade, Industry and Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel says government will over the next five years invest R40 billion to create an additional 400 black industrialists.

Eskom is appealing to communities to stop illegal connections as it continues to experience an increasing number of repeated equipment failures in most areas.

Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy says the second draft of the Climate Change Bill, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, is currently being debated at Nedlac.

Telecommunications network provider MTN’s Zakhele-Futhi’s scheme has been found to be inconsistent with South Africa’s Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act.

Cabinet has joined the rest of South Africa in congratulating Caster Semenya for her victory in the 800m event at the Prefontaine Classic in California, in the USA.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr Naledi Pandor says she intends to hold talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa on whether any action needs to be taken against the Ambassador to the Netherlands, Bruce Koloane.

Cabinet has approved the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill of 2018 for tabling in Parliament, following its release for public consultation last year.

Cabinet says a united response across government is required on issues such as e-tolling to ensure South Africans have confidence in the work of government.

Cabinet has condemned the recent burning of Katlehong Primary School in Gauteng, where two classrooms were set alight during service delivery protests in the Ekurhuleni township.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead government’s delegation at the “25 Years of Democracy – The Next 25 Years” Conference at the University of Johannesburg, scheduled for later this month.

The National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) will this morning hold a public hearing into the City of Tshwane’s tariff application for a 13.07% increase and tariff restructuring.

Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has announced that the SABC, which has been buckling under financial strain, will over the next 10 days receive a portion of the interim relief it has been waiting for.

Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane says South Africa will look at creating an air transport link to India in a push to claim a bigger share of tourist arrivals from that region.

Tributes are pouring in for veteran actress Nomhle Nkonyeni, who passed away on Wednesday.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has appointed an interim Board of Directors for the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).