Transnet rail privatisation delayed and two more mayors booted

Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:

• Transnet to rework private sector participation:  Transnet has delayed privatising the Ngqura container terminals and the Johannesburg-Durban container corridor after feedback indicated the tender terms were too tough and costly for private sector involvement. CEO Michelle Phillips mentioned plans to reevaluate the investment and operation strategy for these areas. [Business Day]

• Two more North West mayors recalled: The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West has recently recalled two more Mayors from Kagisano-Molopo and Naledi Municipalities, following earlier recalls in three other municipalities in the province due to dissatisfaction with the poor delivery of basic services by these municipalities. [SABC]

• Nearly 20% of victims say police never arrived at scenes: A new report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) revealed that 19.5% of crime victims reported the police failed to respond or arrive at the scene upon being called. The findings are based on a survey of 30,000 households, assessing public perceptions of safety and crime experiences. [News24]

• Repair of Lilian Ngoyi Street delayed yet again: The reconstruction of Lilian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg, initially damaged by a gas leak explosion in July 2023, is now postponed to 2026 due to delays. The project, affecting the road formerly known as Bree Street, started in January 2024 but has faced setbacks. The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is in the process of selecting a new contractor. [The Citizen]

• Markets: The rand was broadly steady on Tuesday, ahead of several local data releases later this week. On Wednesday (28 August), the rand was trading at R17.75 to the dollar, R23.47 to the pound, and R19.88 to the euro. Oil is trading at $79.57 a barrel. [Reuters]