Taxpayers foot the bill for R97,000 toilets, and new solar power taxes slammed

The rand strengthened on Friday as many emerging markets benefited from reduced concerns about immediate U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict.

Domestically, investors will be looking at producer inflation, the leading indicator data set to be released next week, to assess the health of South Africa’s economy.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s Top-40 index remained relatively unchanged, despite declines of between 1% and 3% among most gold and platinum miners, and a drop of over 6% for petrochemical firm Sasol.

The rand traded at 18.00 against the U.S. dollar, marking a 0.2% increase from Thursday’s closing value.

On Monday, 23 June, the rand was trading at R18.10 to the dollar, R24.26 to the pound and R20.80 to the euro. Oil was trading slightly lower at $78.40 a barrel.

Here are five other important things happening in and affecting South Africa today:

R97,000 per toilet: The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) revealed that, since the Bucket Eradication Programme began, over R3.85 billion has been used to replace 39,686 toilets, averaging R97,014 per toilet. [BusinessTech]

New solar power taxes: The Association for Renewable Energy Practitioners (Arep) has criticised a proposal to raise import tariffs on solar and wind power components by up to 30%. They argue that this could make solar energy less accessible for lower- and middle-income consumers. [MyBroadband]

President Motsepe still on the cards: Patrice Motsepe’s possible entry into the ANC’s presidential race has ruffled some feathers in the party’s establishment. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said if he is interested, he must make himself known in essence and be present in the branches of the organisation. Motsepe has not confirmed his interest, but some view this prospect with cautious optimism. [Primedia Plus]

Criminals charges laid at Daybreak Farms: The National Council of SPCAs has filed criminal charges against the board of directors of Daybreak Farms, describing it as one of the largest and most disturbing cases of animal cruelty in South African history. [Daily Maverick]

New lottery deal tied to Mashatile: It has been revealed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s sister-in-law, Khumo Bogatsu, has a stake in the new national lottery license deal. She co-owns Bellamont Gaming, a shareholder in Sizekhaya Holdings. In May, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau announced Sizekhaya as the winning bidder for the multi-billion rand tender. [News24]