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South African state utility Eskom does not expect to implement scheduled power cuts over the summer months if unplanned losses remain below 13 gigawatts of capacity, Chief Executive Dan Marokane said on Monday.

"So for this coming summer (the) prognosis is that if we stay below 13 000 megawatts of unplanned losses, we will be able to avoid loadshedding," Marokane told reporters, using a term for power cuts.

Eskom has not implemented power cuts in more than 150 days after a dramatic improvement in the performance of its fleet of mainly coal-fired power stations.

ActionSA has approached the Public Protector to urgently investigate allegations made against Justice Minister Thembi Simelane, relating to the now-collapsed VBS Bank and to probe a potential violation of the Executive Members' Ethics Act.

This after revelations that during Simelane's tenure as mayor of the Polokwane municipality, she personally took a so-called "loan" from the "corrupt investment brokerage" that facilitated the unlawful investment of R349-million from the municipality into VBS.

ActionSA parliamentary caucus leader Athol Trollip said should the Public Protector conclude that there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, his party will write to President Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting the immediate removal of Simelane as Justice Minister.

Trollip said ActionSA needed answers as to whether South Africa's Justice Minister was possibly the recipient and beneficiary of illicit VBS cash, as reported.

"Consequently, it is a matter of grave concern that Minister Simelane, who now oversees the Department of Justice and who wields significant influence over the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is the very person responsible for the institution tasked with prosecuting corruption, potentially including this very matter," he said.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) also expressed concerns, highlighting that it had submitted a request to the chair of the Justice Parliamentary Portfolio for Simelane to appear before the portfolio to answer to these allegations.

"At the very least, the Minister needs to be brought before Parliament to account for what measures she intends to put in place to manage the glaring conflict of interest between herself as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and her role involving the National Prosecuting Authority, which must surely be investigating the Minister and this transaction," said DA spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development advocate Glynnis Breytenbach.

She said the allegations raised serious questions about the Minister's integrity and her ability to fulfil the critical role of upholding justice in South Africa.

The DA said it wanted the NPA to continue to exercise its mandate without "fear, favour or prejudice," despite the allegations that have surfaced against the person who oversees the body.

GOOD Secretary General and Western Cape Member of Parliament Brett Herron said it was "completely untenable" to have Simelane embroiled in the VBS fraud and corruption scandal.

"Unfortunately that means that Simelane cannot remain the Minister responsible for a justice system that may well have to investigate and prosecute her if the allegations sustain a prima facie case. Equally, she cannot remain at the helm if a decision not to prosecute is the ultimate outcome and is to have unimpeachable credibility," explained Herron.

He noted that Simelane was responsible for upholding the integrity of the justice system, and that she must ensure that the NPA was resourced and able to execute its functions without any interference.

"In this case, the NPA is actively involved in investigating and prosecuting the VBS crimes that have resulted in the looting of the most vulnerable and marginalised South Africans. This is without a doubt a massive conflict of interest that extends into her role as a member of the justice and crime prevention cluster in Cabinet," he added.

Herron highlighted that Ramaphosa "has no choice" but to act in the best of the country and in the interests of an "untainted criminal justice process" relating to all who are implicated in the VBS crimes.

Last month, former VBS board chair Tshifhiwa Matodzi said the Economic Freedom Fighters received monthly donations since 2017, and a so-called business loan of millions of rands from VBS, through a front company, Sgameka Projects.

He also claimed that in 2016, African National Congress (ANC) treasurer-general at the time Zweli Mkhize had requested R2-million from the bank to pay an ANC supplier.

President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that Parliament is currently considering draft legislation that will help prevent "undue" political interference that the State Capture Commission found sometimes enables corruption.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that this legislation would make a clear distinction between the powers of elected officials, such as Ministers, and professional public servants, such as directors-general.

"As part of the draft legislation, public servants who leave government may not, within 12 months of leaving, accept employment or appointment to the board of a service provider to which they were involved in awarding a contract," he explained.

Ramaphosa said work was underway, with the assistance of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, to review the country's anti-corruption architecture.

He highlighted that other areas where policy reforms were being considered were in the appointment of key positions such as the South African Revenue Service Commissioner and the National Director of Public Prosecutions, support and protection for whistle-blowers, and the creation of a statutory offence for the abuse of public powers.

He said as government strengthened its efforts to prevent and combat corruption, in line with the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, the country's law enforcement agencies had been undertaking investigations recommended by the commission against alleged perpetrators.

The State has secured nearly R10-billion in forfeiture orders and settlement agreements linked to State Capture cases.

In addition, preservation and restraint orders to the value of R17-billion had been granted while court processes are underway, he said.

He said this work demonstrated that the recommendations of the State Capture Commission were being steadily and thoroughly implemented across government.

However, he acknowledged that there was much more to do.

"Not only do we need to complete the reforms we have embarked on and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to book, but we need to continuously work to build a society in which corruption no longer has any place," he stated.

Last week, the Constitutional Court held a special sitting to pay tribute to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on his retirement from the court.

After 27 years on the Bench, Zondo is retiring. His term of office ends on August 31, after which his successor, Justice Mandisa Maya will take over the role.

Ramaphosa pointed out that one of Zondo's most prominent and outstanding contributions was as the chairperson of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, also known as the Zondo Commission or the State Capture Commission.

"Not only have we worked to hold those responsible for State capture to account and to recover stolen funds, but we have also put in place laws, institutions and practices to ensure that State capture never happens again. We continue to take steps to prevent, detect and act against corruption," he said.

OTHER LEGISLATION

In the last few months, Ramaphosa signed into law several pieces of legislation that respond directly to the commission's recommendations and which, in many instances, will fundamentally change the way government works.

The Public Procurement Act recognises the assertion by Zondo that corruption in procurement was "the centrepiece of State capture".

Another law is the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act, which establishes the Investigating Directorate against Corruption.

"The Directorate will be a permanent, prosecution-led agency with full criminal investigative powers. It will be able to recruit and retain specialist skills and develop capabilities such as the collection and analysis of digital evidence," Ramaphosa said.

The Electoral Matters Amendment Act, which was signed into law in May, amended the Political Party Act to make it a criminal offence to make donations to gain political influence or favour.

Ramaphosa said in responding to another r...

Public Affairs Research Institute's energy transition programme head Tracy Ledger noted that while the end of loadshedding is good news for the country, significantly more electricity is needed for the South African economy to grow.

In an exclusive interview with Polity, Ledger highlighted that the only way for South Africa to rapidly generate cheaper electricity is from renewable energy, particular solar PV.

"Even at its current 70% availability factor, which is the highest we have seen in years, and it is a significant achievement, we need significantly more electricity in the economy and we need cheaper electricity," Ledger said.

South Africa is approaching nearly five months with no loadshedding.

Ledger highlighted that an end to loadshedding was good, however, she said that did not mean there was enough electricity to put the economy on a significantly higher growth path to create sustainable employment.

MUNICIPAL CONSTRAINTS

When asked what was preventing municipalities from diversifying their sources of bulk electricity generation, she said one of the main constraints was the complexity of entry into a long-term power purchase agreement with an independent power producer.

Ledger said there were concerns for the municipality and IPP, with the IPP perhaps questioning municipal debt to Eskom.

Ledger noted a combination of risk management in financing and increasing the capacity and capability of municipalities to be able to "do all of the things necessary to end up with power on the grid".

This includes municipalities having to upgrade infrastructure.

She acknowledged that municipalities had been badly affected by loadshedding, noting that a significant amount of revenue was lost during this period.

"The damage loadshedding has done to infrastructure, and a lot of municipalities, their electricity distribution structure is very old, it does not take well to being constantly switched on and off, particularly when there are higher stages of loadshedding."

She said this resulted in huge repairs and cost burdens on municipalities.

SMALL BUSINESS & SKILLS

She also noted the negative impact of loadshedding on small businesses, particularly macro enterprises, as many could not afford generators, solar or have any form of back-up energy supply.

Meanwhile, she stated that the skills and capabilities needed to integrate renewable power onto a municipal grid were in short supply.

"They are quite difficult skills to access, it is not as simple as buying a bit of extra power from Eskom. Grids needs to be reconfigured, we need investments in upgrading the grid. If we want to have more power going to previously under-serviced parts of the economy, like the township areas, we need significant upgrades of infrastructure," she said.

She explained that budget was also another factor of concern, noting that the infrastructure backlog was estimated at around R200-billion.

"We have estimated that the infrastructure backlog in local government, in electricity distribution infrastructure is about R200-billion, it is difficult to see where that money will be coming from," she said.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer have agreed on the need for an urgent meeting with the respective MECs in every province, as well as Ministers in the Law Enforcement Cluster, to develop a response to construction mafia activity in the country.

During a meeting between the two officials on August 23, Meyer provided Macpherson with a report on how the problem of construction mafias had resurfaced in KwaZulu-Natal.

Macpherson publicly vowed shortly after his appointment to deal decisively with the construction mafia issue and to restore the rule of law at construction sites countrywide.

He deems it "simply unacceptable" that people are being fatally attacked and assaulted and that this activity is threatening additional infrastructure investment in the country.

Macpherson and Meyer also discussed how the Expanded Public Works Programme could be reformed to ensure it benefits recipients and contributes to job creation; and how national government can work with provincial government to expand infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Minister plans to meet with other MECs and mayors in the coming week to see what improvements can be made in the infrastructure sectors of more provinces.

The Democratic Alliance averred on Friday that the signing of the Health Compact is nothing more than a "blatant attempt to coerce and feign support" for the National Health Insurance Act.

On Thursday, Acting President Paul Mashatile signed the pact at the Union Buildings, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa appointed Mashatile as Acting President, following medical advice that he allow an eye infection to clear.

This is the second Heath Compact to be signed after the first was signed in 2018 by Ramaphosa.

DA spokesperson on health Michele Clarke highlighted that the second Health Compact undermined the good-will and collaboration between government and various stakeholders, including health professionals, the business community, and labour unions to improve South Africa's health sector as called for by the first Compact.

"The fact that the Health Compact was signed despite widespread concerns and without proper engagement from the President about these concerns mimics the public participation charade in Parliament before the NHI Act was signed," said Clarke.

Business Unity South Africa and the South African Health Professionals Collaboration, including the South African Medical Association, on principle refused to sign the Compact, which it said used the destructive NHI Act as its basis.

"In his speech the Acting President stated that the private sector has a crucial role to play in healthcare, yet government treats consultation with the sector as nothing more than a box-ticking exercise," said Clarke.

Meanwhile, Health Portfolio Committee chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the signing marked a significant milestone in government's collective journey towards improving the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Dhlomo pointed out that the Compact assigned roles and responsibilities to a broad range of stakeholders to support the strengthening and preparation of health systems for the implementation of the NHI.

He said the Presidential Health Compact represented a unified commitment to enhancing the country's healthcare system, ensuring that every citizen had access to quality health services.

"…this Compact is not merely a document; it is a promise to prioritise health as a fundamental human right and addresses the systemic challenges that have long plagued our healthcare landscape," he added.

He noted that in recent years, the Department of Health had witnessed the impact of various health crises, which he said had underscored the urgent need for a cohesive and collaborative approach to health governance.

Non-governmental organisation AfriForum has urged Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to immediately address critical vulnerabilities that it says are jeopardising national security.

AfriForum sent Motshekga a letter on Wednesday, claiming a series of alarming security failures across SANDF bases, particularly ongoing theft and security breaches at the Wallmansthal depot north of Pretoria - one of the defence force's largest vehicle depots.

AfriForum requested a detailed response from Motshekga, outlining the steps that will be taken to enhance security at these bases to prevent further incidents.

The organisation also requested a timeline for the implementation of these measures.

"The ongoing security breaches at SANDF bases, particularly at Wallmansthal, are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to our national security. Don't forget that even firearms have been stolen from defence force bases. We are calling on the Minister of Defence to take immediate and effective action to solve these issues and to ensure that our military terrains are adequately protected," said AfriForum chief spokesperson for community safety Jacques Broodryk.

He claimed "almost nightly incidents" of theft at the Wallmansthal depot, where he stated individuals illegally enter the premises to steal vehicle parts and other items.

"Despite numerous reports from local community members to the military police, little has been done to curb these criminal activities," he pointed out.

AfriForum also highlighted the recent fire at the Wallmansthal depot, which resulted in the destruction of several hundred vehicles, and called for immediate improvements in fire prevention measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In its letter to Motshekga, AfriForum noted crumbling security fences, inadequate entrance control, and the overall lack of maintenance at SANDF bases, which it said were making the terrain vulnerable to unauthorised access and criminal activities.

AfriForum also emphasised the importance of proper training and equipping of security personnel at SANDF bases, noting that current measures were insufficient to protect critical military assets and personnel.

Business Unity South Africa (Busa) on Thursday maintained that "structured, formal and urgent engagement" with government is needed on the Health Compact and the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) Act to ensure healthcare reform and universal health coverage without negatively affecting the economy and the existing skills in the private healthcare sector.

Busa said the engagement should include the Presidency, National Treasury and the Department of Health.

Busa has not signed the new version of the Presidential Health Compact, saying it was "unilaterally" amended by government, and that it had transformed its "original intent and objectives into an explicit pledge of support for the NHI Act".

"While reference was made to NHI in the previous version of the Compact, it was only mentioned in the context of longer-term developments. Busa has always supported a collaborative, workable NHI rather than the current single-fund model which is both unaffordable and unimplementable. It's disappointing that the initiative has been altered to endorse an NHI framework that many stakeholders, including ourselves, do not support because it is unworkable," stated Busa.

It also claimed that the changes to the Health Compact were made without consultation.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will, in his capacity as Acting President, lead the signing by multiple stakeholders of the Second Presidential Health Compact at the Union Buildings, Pretoria on Thursday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mashatile as Acting President, based on medical advice that he allow an eye infection to clear.

The Presidency said immediately after the Health Compact signing, Mashatile would receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission and Ambassadors-Designate of 11 countries.

Busa stressed it had consistently supported the goals of the Presidential Health Compact since its inception in 2018, and that it remained committed to such projects and objectives.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has announced changes to its executive, with the much-anticipated appointment of former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu as its new national organiser.

The party announced its 18-member national high command structure, on Thursday.

Last week, Shivambu submitted his resignation letter to EFF president Julius Malema.

Former Police Minister and African National Congress member Nathi Nhleko was previously MKP's national organiser ahead of the 2024 national and provincial elections.

Nhleko is now the party's national chairperson. Jacob Zuma remains the president and John Hlophe his deputy.

Last month, the party also announced changes to its secretary and treasurer positions, appointing Menzi Magubane and Dr Sifiso Maseko respectively.

Hlophe pointed out that Shivambu's appointment had nothing to do with "destroying the EFF".

"…far from it. Comrade Floyd, and all our comrades, are deplored (sic) to various structures on merit, there is nobody who is deplored (sic) because we want to destroy the EFF, as a party. We are running our own political programmes as the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, regardless of the EFF's position on any issue," he said.

He described Shivambu as an experienced politician, "sharp like a razor" and said he had no doubt that Shivambu would play an important role in the MKP.

Shivambu said at the briefing that he did not join the MKP for opportunistic purposes, rather that he made a "correct and revolutionary decision", to join the MKP.

He wanted to unite "progressive forces" for a common agenda, saying the notion of small "unviable" political parties was not stainable for the future of black people in South Africa.

"…it is not stainable at all. The temptation as well - I am not characterising the EFF - is that you have multiple of these, they end up being fiefdoms of individuals, an IFP, UDM kind of arrangement. What is to achieve with that when all of us can set aside our very strong egos and say I do not have to be a Member of Parliament, a deputy president, I can come and be led by a collective and be subjected.

He said this was the principle he joined the MKP for.

He said to "avoid confusion", he and Zuma spoke about the unification of all progressive parties last year, before the official announcement of the MKP.

"…and I was amongst those who said that let us go and contest elections and separate political parties. We will contest each other on the ground but we will come back to talk about what do we do moving forward," Shivambu said.

He said the attempt for unification was not an opportunistic one owing to the electoral decline of the EFF, rather he believed there was a genuine political discussion, which he said all South Africans must enter.

"Some people will say 'you are betraying me'; where does that enter? You are not suggesting I am betraying the revolution, I will never betray the revolution, because we are not in a business of trying to please each other's egos here," he stated.

He said he was in the business of building a revolutionary movement that was going to emancipate the black majority and Africans in particular. He noted a question he was asked was what he would do if he was removed from his position, as leadership positions in the MKP "change weekly".

"If I am removed as a national organiser, I am going to be a member, and if I am removed as a member I am going to be a volunteer and put posters even without the approval of the leadership," he quipped.

On Monday, Malema warned those who he said betrayed him and those "covertly collaborating with his enemies" that "there [was] no place for them" in his party.

Outgoing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has been commended for his work at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) commended transformation of the judiciary to ensure full representativity under his watch.

After 27 years on the Bench, Zondo is retiring. His term of office ends on August 31, after which his successor, Justice Mandisa Maya will take over the role.

Zondo was appointed as a Justice to the Constitutional Court in 2012, in 2017 the Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, and in 2018 he led the State Capture Commission. In 2022, he was appointed Chief Justice of South Africa.

The DA wished him farewell, saying the exemplary work he had done as the chairperson of the Zondo Commission would have a lasting impact in restoring the dignity of the country.

DA spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development Glynnis Breytenbach said under the leadership of Zondo key programmes were implemented to successfully transform the judiciary to ensure full representativity.

"Not only has he done effective work in management of the judiciary, but he has also contributed substantially to the development of jurisprudence in South Africa," noted Breytenbach.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane said the work of the Zondo Commission remained integral to government's efforts to rebuild the country in the wake of "one of the most shameful periods in democratic history".

The Zondo Commission was an affirmation of the constitutional order, the rule of law and the strength of institutions, she said.

Simelane noted that the Commission began to restore society's confidence in its ability to correct mistakes and to hold those responsible for wrongdoing to account.

She described Zondo as a man of wisdom, tempered by experience, and as a man of unwavering principle and integrity, as well as someone of humility and courage.

She added that Zondo served the cause of justice over a long and illustrious career, saying he led the Constitutional Court at an important time in the country's democracy.

"Through the service he has rendered the nation, through his conduct and his demeanour, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has earned the admiration, respect and gratitude of all South Africans," said Simelane.

She stated that for undertaking this responsibility of the Commission, Zondo had had to endure a number of personal attacks.

"You have had to defend the integrity of the judiciary and our courts from opportunistic attacks by those with interests inimical to the rule of law. Yet you have stood firm in upholding the independence of the judiciary. You have stood on principle, as you have since your earliest days as a young lawyer," highlighted Simelane.

She pointed out that history would record that Zondo fulfilled his assigned responsibility with wisdom and diligence, and said he established a standard for probity in public affairs that would serve the country for many years to come.

"Beyond what is contained in the Constitution, beyond what is stated in law, beyond all the regulations and the rules, the Zondo Commission has more clearly defined the ethical underpinnings of the country's democratic State," she explained.