Energy

5 important things happening in South Africa today

Luke Fraser

 ·7 Jul 2023

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

• Kusile’s R24 billion cost: Environmental groups have filed an appeal against the decision to allow Eskom to bypass certain environmental requirements at the Kusile power station while implementing a temporary fix. Although the fix could add roughly 2,000 MW to the grid by the year end, it will add large amounts of sulphur dioxide to the atmosphere. Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action and groundWork said that the decision will lead to 670 excess deaths and up to R24 billion in societal costs. [Business Day]

• Construction mafia akin to terrorists: The DA says KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Sipho Nkosi’s plan to meet with the construction mafia is similar to negotiating with terrorists. DA MP Sello Seitlholo said that the plan, should it go ahead, will set a dangerous precedent where criminals will engage in unlawful activities to force the government to the negotiation table. Seitlholo added that Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya should officially designate construction mafias as a national priority crime. [News24]

• Blue light brigade suspension: National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says eight members of the Deputy President’s VIP protection service have been suspended, rising from the four which announced earlier this week. This comes after a video showing the officers assaulting other motorists circulated online. He said that the officers were suspended for pointing their firearms while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will conduct further investigations. [SABC News]

• Coalition drama in Gauteng: ANC Ekurhuleni acting regional chairperson Jongizizwe Dlabathi says the party’s coalition with the EFF is risk, as it could weaken the party without much gain. Currently, the metro has an ANC Mayor, while 10 MMC roles are equally divided between the two parties. Dlabathi said that the new system could systematically liquidate the ANC from power, adding that the party could have all of its service delivery achievement from its 2016-2021 term of office eroded if its continues with its current deal with the red berets. [City Press]

• Markets: The rand weakened to above the R19/$ mark on Thursday amid concerns about the direction of US interest rates. Minutes from the US Fed’s recent meeting in June indicated that most officials were in favour of further tightening in policy to bring inflation down to 2%, which saw the dollar strengthen against several emerging economies. On Friday (7 July), the rand was trading at R19.07/$, R20.77/€, and R24.31/£. Brent crude is trading at $76.77 a barrel. [Business Day]