South Africa

Cabinet has welcomed the commitment by Transnet to focus on clearing backlogs that occurred across the port and rail system during the recent industrial action.

State-owned rail and ports company, Transnet, says it is ramping up recovery plans across its operations after it reached a wage agreement with labour unions following nearly two weeks of industrial action.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says more cases have been enrolled against some service providers of the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, which have allegedly been unlawfully overcharging the department.

Beleaguered State-owned power utility Eskom has announced that Stage 3 load shedding is expected to continue “until further notice”.

Government has sent its deepest condolences to the family of anti-apartheid activist and internationally renowned theologian, Father Albert Nolan, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host one of its healthy lifestyle flagship events on Sunday - the National Big Walk.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the significant opportunity for private capital to invest in South Africa’s energy transition during a meeting with 20 – 20 Investment Association on Wednesday at the Union Buildings.

Policy makers have been encouraged to tighten legislation for smokers, as there are new products on the market targeting young people, which could lead to addiction problems.

The Hawks on Wednesday pounced on an alleged kingpin of a syndicate linked to the theft of fuel, which has caused damage to essential infrastructure.

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu says the rights of women and girls to live free from violence depends on the protection of their human rights and a strong accountability, coordination and leadership.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga is advising R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries to keep on verifying their contact details, to ensure that they are still correct to avoid scammers.

The annual consumer price inflation (CPI) marginally dipped to 7.5% in September 2022.

Government has joined the South African media industry in commemorating the 45th anniversary of Black Wednesday, also marked as National Press Freedom Day.

While the Land Bank remains in default to its creditors, Finance Deputy Minister, David Masondo, says the institution has managed to repay 43% of the debt that was outstanding in 2020 and only R1.5 billion of guaranteed debt remains.

While load shedding was reduced from Stage 4 to Stage 2 until 5am this morning, Stage 3 load shedding will kick in this afternoon.