News24Wire

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News24Wire

News24’s breaking news wire service brings you the latest South African, African and international news reports and press updates from newsrooms across the country. Powered by the country’s leading journalists, and headed by the News24 editorial team.

Mantashe, regulator lose court bid against anti-nuclear activist

29th May 2023 Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe and the National Nuclear Regulator have lost a court bid concerning an anti-nuclear activist. In January this year, the Western Cape High Court ruled that the minister's decision to fire anti-nuclear activist Peter Becker from the board of SA's... →

Parliament wants De Ruyter to hand over intelligence reports

26th May 2023 Parliament's lawyers will write to former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter to solicit the controversial intelligence reports he commissioned, the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said on Friday. The committee is holding a series of hearings about the... →

Photo by Donna Slater
Former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter

Unions reject Eskom's third and 'final' wage offer

26th May 2023 Three unions at Eskom have rejected what the power utility has characterised as its third and 'final' offer of a 5.25% wage increase. This comes as Eskom, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA, the National Union of Mineworkers, and Solidarity concluded the third round of wage negotiations at... →

Cape Town and four other Western Cape municipalities are SA's top performers

26th May 2023 Five of the most financially stable municipalities in South Africa are in the Western Cape, and Cape Town is the metro that's leading the pack. This is according to municipal financial sustainability index, Ratings Afrika, which tracked the financial performance of 104 of the largest... →

Rand plunged to new record low overnight amid economic, interest rate concerns

26th May 2023 The rand crashed to a new record low overnight, reaching R19.8279/$ on Thursday night. The currency has now lost almost 26% of its value over the past year. In the past two weeks alone, since the US accusation that Russia received arms in South Africa, it has plunged 8%. On Thursday, the currency... →

Interest rate hiked by 50 basis points

25th May 2023 The South African Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee hiked interest rates by 50 basis points to 8.25%. This is in line with what many economists and the market expected. The earlier consensus expectation was for 25 basis points, but the rand's crash to a record low in the wake of US... →

De Ruyter to face another grilling by MPs over his Eskom corruption claims

24th May 2023 Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts says it plans to call former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter to appear before the committee again, along with several other people, as it continues its probe into corruption allegations at the company. Following allegations by De Ruyter in a... →

Former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter

Unions reject Eskom's new, improved wage offer

24th May 2023 Three unions at Eskom have rejected the embattled power utility's latest 4.5% wage increase offer. Eskom tabled its revised offer, which is a hike from an initial 3.75%, to the National Union of Metalworkers of SA, the National Union of Mineworkers and Solidarity at the Centralised Bargaining... →

Petrol, diesel prices look set for large cuts - for now

22nd May 2023 Despite the rand crashing to record low levels last week, fuel prices currently still look set for a cut at the start of June. Based on the latest oil and rand prices, the latest data from the Central Energy Fund shows that diesel prices could be lowered by R1.06 to R1.13 a litre, depending on... →

Cholera outbreak: Tshwane testing whether water in tankers or from rivers is the source

22nd May 2023 The City of Tshwane says it has 52 water tankers going to informal settlements, but it is still being determined whether the cholera source is water in the rivers or water from the tankers. On Sunday, the Gauteng health department announced that ten people had died of cholera in Hammanskraal,... →

Weak rand, risk of sanctions will keep interest rates high, says Investec CEO

18th May 2023 Asset manager and banking group Investec has warned that South Africa's interest rates are likely to remain elevated for longer than expected as a weaker rand and the risk of sanctions due to Pretoria's support for Russia add pressure on an already weak economy. "Clearly, the economy in South... →

How the #LadyRussiagate ship left its usual waters behind to visit SA, minus electronic footprints

12th May 2023 The Lady R's position system is on 99% of the time, historic data shows – but not perfect. So were it not for eyewitness accounts, we may never have known that the ship, which allegedly carried weapons and ammunition to Russia, had visited South Africa at all. The Russian-flagged Lady R is not a... →

Denel denies any involvement in supplying weapons to Russia

12th May 2023 As South Africa scrambles to deal with a diplomatic crisis brought on by US claims that the country sold arms to Russia, Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) has vehemently denied any involvement in supplying weapons to Vladimir Putin's forces. In a statement sent to News24 on Friday, the munition's... →

Another Eskom employee in court for fraud, theft and money laundering in Mpumalanga

11th May 2023 Another Eskom employee in Mpumalanga has appeared in court on fraud, theft and money laundering charges – this time in Standerton. Zandile Rosemary Ngcobo, 43, was released on R5 000 bail after she appeared in the Standerton Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. →

KwaZulu-Natal to get mega water board with new members – Mchunu

11th May 2023 Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu plans to axe 24 members of two embattled water boards to make way for a new water structure at the end of July. The proposed name of the new structure is the Umgeni-uThukela Water Board and it is envisaged that it will usher in a new era in the way in... →

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu

Ramaphosa asked to shed light on electricity crisis in parliamentary Q&A

11th May 2023 With the country still hampered by loadshedding, and with no end in sight, it is perhaps no surprise the focus of President Cyril Ramaphosa's question session on Thursday will be the energy crisis. In February, during his State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa announced he would appoint an... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramokgopa: Running diesel plants may be costly, but loadshedding is far worse

10th May 2023 Eskom will likely exceed its diesel budget this financial year, but the cost of load shedding to the economy would be far worse, said Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The minister was responding to questions in Parliament's National Council of Provinces on Tuesday. Ramokgopa said that... →

Rand hits worst level since 2020

10th May 2023 The rand has slumped to its worst level since April 2020, reaching R18.81/$ earlier on Wednesday. Less than a year ago, it was trading below R15.30. Global markets are jittery ahead of US inflation data, which will give some indication of where rates in the world's largest economy are headed.... →

De Ruyter only submitted Eskom corruption report just before Parliament appearance - Hawks

9th May 2023 Former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter only submitted a report to law enforcement authorities on corruption at the utility the day before he appeared in Parliament in April, and long after he had resigned from the company, Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya told MPs on Tuesday. A public official is required by... →

Photo by Donna Slater
Former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter

We can't compensate, 'but we empathise': Eskom says it's not to blame for power outages in Mahikeng

9th May 2023 Eskom says it can't commit to compensating businesses affected by power cuts in Mahikeng. The power utility's customer relations manager, Ezekiel Baruti, told News24 that the power outages, which lasted for more than a week, had affected residential homes and businesses, including mortuaries. →

Gordhan to lodge 'urgent appeal' against loadshedding exemption ruling

8th May 2023 Government will lodge an urgent appeal against a ruling that it prevent loadshedding for schools, healthcare facilities and police stations within 60 days. This step is to avoid "undue risk" to the country's grid, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Enterprises on Monday.... →

Photo by Reuters
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan

Sasria will no longer provide cover for riot damage if the power grid collapses

8th May 2023 South Africa's special risk State-owned insurer will no longer provide cover for damage to property caused during riots and protests that could break out in the event the country's electricity grid collapses. The decision by the South African Special Risks Insurance Association follows moves by... →

Putco resumes operations after subsidy debacle put the brakes on its service

5th May 2023 Putco has resumed its bus service after operations in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga were suspended due to diesel shortages that were brought about by an outstanding Gauteng roads and transport department subsidy. Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said the bus operator met with Gauteng Premier... →

Key energy plan will be developed in a year's time, says Ramaphosa

4th May 2023 President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a gazette indicating a key section in law - which will allow the long-awaited Integrated Energy Plan to be developed - will come into effect. This comes after civil society groups lodged a legal application to compel him to do so. Earlier this year,... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Putco suspends bus services in Gauteng after unpaid govt subsidy leads to diesel shortages

4th May 2023 Putco has suspended bus services from Thursday until further notice due to diesel shortages as a result of an outstanding subsidy from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport. "The disruption is as a result of unpaid March subsidy claims by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport,"... →

South Africa's only driving licence card machine breaks down again

4th May 2023 The Department of Transport says the country's only driving licence printing card machine has broken down again. In a statement on Wednesday, the department said the machine underwent routine maintenance from 5 to 19 April when a problem was encountered. →

Tim Harris appointed to chair interim SA Tourism Board

4th May 2023 Former Wesgro CEO Tim Harris will chair the interim SA Tourism Board. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said she would gazette the appointment on Friday. →

Plans for Karpowership's Saldanha Bay project hit another delay

4th May 2023 Karpowership SA has withdrawn an environmental impact assessment report for its proposed Saldanha Bay project, which forms part of its application for environmental authorisation. Given the withdrawal of this document, its application for environmental authorisation has lapsed, according to the... →

More Stage 6 loadshedding as breakdowns approach 19 000 MW

3rd May 2023 Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 on Tuesday until 05:00 on Thursday, Eskom said in a statement. After that, stages will vary between 4 and 6 until late on Friday. →

Photo by Creamer Media
The Tutuka power station

Eskom keeps Oberholzer on for longer to help SA through power crisis

3rd May 2023 Jan Oberholzer, Eskom's first and last COO, will stay at the troubled power utility for a while longer following his retirement in April, specifically to help see it through SA's loadshedding crisis. Oberholzer confirmed on Wednesday that he and Eskom had concluded a contract for his services. "A... →

Photo by Donna Slater
Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer

Mantashe: Govt's plans to end loadshedding not about 'mobilising votes'

3rd May 2023 Dealing with loadshedding is not about "mobilising votes", according to Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe. The minister was answering questions from members of Parliament's National Council of Provinces on Tuesday. Democratic Alliance MP Mlindi Nhanha had asked about the... →

Photo by Donna Slater
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe

Another cut in diesel prices, but petrol will be pricier from Wednesday

2nd May 2023 The wholesale diesel price will be lowered on Wednesday, but petrol is getting more expensive. Petrol (both 93 and 95 unleaded) will be hiked by 37c a litre, while diesel will be cut by 47.5c (0.005% sulphur) and 73.5c (0.05% sulphur), the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced on... →

Loadshedding downgraded for long weekend

26th April 2023 Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Thursday, Eskom announced. Thereafter, load shedding will be progressively reduced until it reaches Stage 1 by Sunday. →

Photo by Bloomberg
The Duvha power station

Mantashe doubles down: Loadshedding can be over by year-end - but take Karpowership 'seriously'

25th April 2023 Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe still believes loadshedding could be over by the end of the year if emergency power procurement through Karpowership, along with other measures, are taken "seriously". The minister said in an interview with Talk Radio 702's Clement Manyathela... →

Photo by Donna Slater
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe

Electricity Minister: No power, no budget, no oversight, no problem

25th April 2023 A parliamentary committee will not oversee Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as his ministry won't have its own budget, the National Assembly Rules Committee has decided. On Tuesday morning, the rules committee dealt with the establishment of new ministries in the Presidency and whether... →

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa

Diesel price set for cut next week, but petrol may get pricier

24th April 2023 The wholesale diesel price looks set for a cut on Wednesday next week, but petrol may become pricier. Based on the latest oil and rand prices, the latest data from the Central Energy Fund shows that diesel prices could be lowered by 26c to 51c a litre, depending on the grade. Unleaded 95 petrol,... →

Five candidates shortlisted for Eskom CEO

24th April 2023 Eskom has compiled a shortlist consisting of five candidates to take on the role as CEO of the embattled utility. Delivering a keynote address at the National Demand Side Management Indaba in Johannesburg on Monday, Eskom board chairperson Mpho Makwana said the utility is progressing in its... →

Eskom board chairperson Mpho Makwana

Eskom chair Mpho Makwana says SA needs to decarbonise fast

21st April 2023 As President Cyril Ramaphosa considers a proposal to extend the lifespan of some of South Africa’s coal-fired power plants, Eskom chairperson Mpho Makwana has said the country needs to decarbonise its economy rapidly. "We need real change in a short space of time to transform and decarbonise our... →

Photo by Creamer Media
Eskom chairperson Mpho Makwana

Govt gives TotalEnergies green light to search for oil, gas between Cape Town, Agulhas

21st April 2023 The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has granted TotalEnergies environmental authorisation to conduct exploratory drilling off the southwest coast. Interested and affected parties have 20 days, from 20 April, to appeal the decision with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and... →

Ramaphosa calls urgent Cabinet meeting to discuss new plan for old coal power stations

19th April 2023 President Cyril Ramaphosa will chair a special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to examine a plan by electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to slow the decommissioning of old coal power stations as the country battles with energy supply. News24 understands that the special Cabinet meeting was... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Karpowership missed deadline to appeal environment dept rejection by 10 days, seeks extension

17th April 2023 Karpowership SA missed a deadline to appeal the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment's (DFFE) decision to refuse it environmental authorisation for a floating gas power project at the Ngqura port. It, however, submitted the appeal 10 days after it was due, and now seeks an extension. →

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