5 Things

One-sided dealings with China slammed, and coalition shake-up in Ekurhuleni

Staff Writer

 ·25 Sep 2024

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

• SA manufacturers raise the alarm: South Africa’s steel and manufacturing sectors are criticising the government’s one-sided relationship with China, claiming local industries are suffering as major contracts are awarded to Chinese firms. At the Metals and Engineering Industries Ministerial Conference in Johannesburg, industry leaders expressed concern over the government’s commitment to uplift local manufacturing amidst declining demand and slow economic growth. Challenges such as bureaucratic delays, budget cuts, and lack of maintenance further exacerbate the sector’s struggles. [News24]

• Ekurhuleni ANC and DA coalition talks: The City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, under newly appointed ANC mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, seeks to restructure its coalition to include the DA and other parties, aiming to stabilise leadership after years of turmoil and declining service delivery. Xhakaza said that there were previous missteps in the ANC’s collaboration with the EFF and emphasised productive discussions with the DA to improve the metro’s financial situation, which has worsened according to the latest auditor-general’s report. [Business Day]

• KZN teacher jobs scam: Teachers in KwaZulu-Natal who paid R25,000 each for jobs at a school in Ulundi have been warned that coming forward as whistle-blowers could lead to criminal charges. Four women, including three from Ulundi, paid a total of R100,000 for positions they never received after being informed of the scheme by a teacher’s brother. [The Citizen]

• Massive blaze ravages Midrand complex: A massive fire at a 130 unit residential complex in Midrand broke out. Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) say that most residents have been evacuated safely and some have been taken to hospital. No fatalities have been reported. The cause of the fire was yet to be determined. [Times Live]

• Markets: The rand strengthened slightly against major currencies on Tuesday. On Wednesday (25 September), the rand was trading at R17.33 to the dollar, R23.09 to the pound, and R19.34 to the euro. Oil is trading at $75.06 a barrel. [Reuters]