South Africa: Govt Enters Final Stage of Scrapping E-Tolls - South African News Briefs - January 3, 2023

3 January 2023
allAfrica.com
By Andre van Wyk

Cape Town — Govt, Agency in Final Talks to Scrap E-Tolls - Minister

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has said that government and a technical team from the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) are in the closing stage of reaching an agreement to scrap e-tolls, Eyewitness News reports. Government has also agreed to absorbing the R47 billion e-toll debt that accumulated from non-payment, coming after a memorandum was drawn up at the end of 2021.

Some Cape Town Beaches Close Due to Sewage Spills

The City of Cape Town has said that the closure of a section of Strand Beach on the False Bay coast, a section of Fish Hoek beach and that of Small Bay in Blaauwberg is a "precuationary measure". "The temporary closures are due to sewage spills in the areas - the causes of which are under investigation. City departments have been activated to respond to these incidents," the City said. According to Eyewitness News, the city's Alex Lansdowne called on bathers to steer clear of the water in those three locations.

Good News for New Year - Petrol Price Set to Drop Tomorrow!

According to The Sowetan, the petrol price is set to decrease with a R2.06/l drop for 93 and 95 fuel. The department of energy added that the rand strengthened after the average price of brent crude oil dropped from U.S.$88.77 (R1,508) a barrel to U.S.$85.08 during December 2022.

Mimimum Wage Increase May Raise Unemployment Rates - NEASA

According to the National Employers Association, government's proposed minimum wage increase may see already high unemployment rates worsen, eNCA reports. The body alleges that many employers may not be able to afford it, which amounts to an 8 percent rise. Stakeholders have been given to January 13 to respond.

Cape Minstrels Make Colourful Return After Two-Year Break

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, the Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrations returned to Cape Town, Eyewitness News reports, with the colourful parade making its way through the city streets to the delights of hundreds. The event is rooted in the history of Cape Town's slave trade where the "Second New Year" was used for celebration as it marked the only day in the calendar when slaves were all owed a day off from work.

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