Good morning. Today we’re covering President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of an energy plan to deal with the electricity crisis at Eskom.
Here it is: Ramaphosa’s ‘energy action plan’ to end SA’s rolling blackouts – Daily Maverick
Ramaphosa took to our TV screens last night to address the energy crisis at Eskom, acknowledging that the recent bout of stage 6 load shedding showed that actions taken thus far to reduce blackouts have not been enough.
The president announced five points of action that would be executed to solve Eskom’s problems while also announcing a raft of additional measures to be completed in the long term.
The five key points include improving Eskom’s existing fleet of power stations, accelerating the procurement of new generation capacity, increasing private investment in generation capacity, incentivising businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar, and transforming and positioning the energy sector for sustainability. Read more here.
Gupta extradition: SA has formally applied to UAE govt, Lamola and Batohi confirm – News24
There is finally some movement on getting Rajesh and Atul Gupta back in South Africa to face criminal charges for their involvement in the Nulane and Estina cases.
Justice minister Ronald Lamola and national director of public prosecutions Shamila Batohi confirmed that South Africa had submitted a formal application to the United Arab Emirates central authority for the extradition of the brothers.
Bathoi said it could take several months as the extradition process is heard in UAE courts but she has pledged that the national prosecuting authority will work closely with its counterparts in the Arab country to get the Gupta brothers back in South Africa. Read more here.
JSC to advise suspension for Hlophe – TimesLIVE
The judicial services commission said it would advise President Ramaphosa to suspend Western Cape judge president John Hlope, following a meeting held by the JSC on Monday evening.
The JSC decision was a majority one and in terms of the constitution, it will be up to Ramaphosa to decide whether he wants to suspend Hlope.
Last August, the JSC also decided in a majority opinion that Hlope was guilty of gross misconduct and referred him to parliament for possible impeachment proceedings. Read more here.
Here’s what else we’re reading today:
Ramaphosa unshackles private power production in bid to tackle SA energy crisis – Miningmx
Ramaphosa liberalises South Africa’s energy sector – Tech Central
Eskom to receive more funding for critical maintenance: Ramaphosa – SABC News
Eskom’s current management team is effective, capable: President Ramaphosa – SABC News
‘Eskom can now expand power lines and sub-stations without needing to get environmental authorisation,’ Ramaphosa says – Bizcommunity
READ | Ramaphosa’s full speech on plans to fix SA’s energy crisis – fin24
Refused bail, Atul and Rajesh Gupta remain in custody in UAE amid SA extradition request – Daily Maverick
Phala Phala: Govt denies Namibia’s claims that it refused to help in case involving Imanuwela David – News24
Mkhwebane’s human rights must be protected, Mpofu argues in legal challenge of Public Protector’s suspension – Daily Maverick
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Image credit: GCIS
