Transnet locomotive parts miracle and Tshwane mayor clutching at straws

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

• Transnet secures parts for idle locomotives: Transnet has secured a deal with original equipment manufacturers to restore 48 of 200 locomotives amidst a legal battle with the Chinese supplier CRRC E-Loco Supply. According to Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies, speaking at the SA Heavy Haulers conference, this deal marks the first step in the locomotives’ return to service, with plans for the remaining fleet’s revival still pending. The aim is to have these locomotives operational within the next two years. [Business Day]

• Tshwane mayor writes to speaker to halt no-confidence motion: The City of Tshwane Mayor, Cilliers Brink, has sought to stop a motion of no confidence against him by appealing to the council speaker. Facing a decisive vote this Friday, Brink argues through his lawyers that he wasn’t provided ample time to address the motion. The speaker’s office has received the appeal and is currently reviewing it. [EWN]

• UN urges tougher action on pesticides in SA: The UN Special Rapporteur has submitted a report on the use of pesticides in South Africa. The report highlights that farmworkers and children are being exposed to pesticides that are banned in the EU and other countries, posing serious health risks. While the government’s plans to ban certain pesticides are appreciated, the Department of Agriculture needs to enforce regulations more rigorously. The Special Rapporteur raised concerns about the influence of corporations and the confidentiality of business information related to pesticides. [GroundUp]

• SA’s first AI air pollution monitoring system rolled out: South African scientists have developed Ai_r, the country’s first system for monitoring air pollution in real-time using sensors, the Internet of Things network, and AI. Initiated by the University of the Witwatersrand’s Institute for Collider Particle Physics, this locally assembled system aims to complement the 130 existing air quality stations by providing extensive, cost-effective air quality monitoring across wider areas. [Mail & Guardian]

• Markets: The rand weakened on Wednesday ahead of economic data releases towards the end of the week. On Thursday (29 August), the rand was trading at R17.80 to the dollar, R23.52 to the pound, and R19.84 to the euro. Oil is trading at $78.78 a barrel. [Reuters]