Cape Town — Western Cape Govt Proposes Changes to Nation's Driving Laws
The Western Cape provincial government has recommended changes to the nation's driving laws following an accident that left 35 farmworkers injured. The changes, which would be aimed at better protecting workers and those transported in [bakkies], include the strengthening of regulations pertaining to farmworker transport, an 80km/h speed limit for open trucks transporting passengers in the province, and a potential government subsidy that may enable bus services for rural farmworkers. “Whilst the Western Cape Provincial Government has sought to strengthen rural transport in the province, the responsibility for traffic regulations is a national competency under the National Department of Transport ... The ANC National Government must, therefore, seriously consider the abovementioned proposals in an effort to improve safety protocols for farmworkers," said Western Cape spokesperson on Agriculture Andricus van der Westhuizen of the Democratic Alliance.
Former President Mbeki Calls on Nation to Not Allow State Capture Again
Following the release of the final volume of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, former president Thabo Mbeki has said that the responsibility of determining where the country went wrong in allowing the looting of state resources lies with the citizens. Mbeki made the comments during birthday celebrations in Johannesburg. "What happened is that as South Africans, we allowed this destruction to take place. We were all around somewhere in our society. How do we make sure this does not happen, that we recover from this great tragedy?", Mbeki said. He also expressed his sympathy with current president Cyril Ramaphosa who faced criticism over not taking a stronger stance against graft during his tenure as deputy president.
Parliament Defends MPs Pay Hike
Parliament has denied that a 3% wage increase for its members is "tone deaf", alleging nothing could be further from the truth. April 2019 saw the last pay increase for public officials when the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers recommended a 2.8% rise. "Because of the prevailing and difficult economic conditions, it was important that the remuneration of the public office bearers be adjusted to enable them to cope with the rising costs of living," Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said in a statement. "While it is understandable that remuneration of public representatives would often spark a public debate given the transparency with which they are processed, constant scrutiny over their work as well as the socioeconomic challenges faced by the country, it must be appreciated that they do not determine their own remuneration. An independent commission is charged with such responsibility; it recommends any decision for the approval of the president before being gazetted," Mothapo added.
Appeals Made for Home Affairs Dept to Drop Work Visa Requirement for Zimbabweans
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that applications to drop one of its requirements for Zimbabweans applying for a general work visa have been submitted. This comes as the deadline for exemption permits for Zimbabweans in South Africa approaches. One of the requirements for Zimbabwean nationals to receive a general work permit is a certificate from the Department of Labour which considers special skills or a waiver. Home Affairs is currently processing over 3,000 waiver applications, though some have called for the issuing of the labour certificate to be discontinued.
Analysts Warn Petrol Price May Reach U.S.$2.5 Per Litre
The Russia-Ukraine war continues to take a toll on South Africa's economy with Western Cape agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer and the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry raising several concerns including the rise of the fuel price to R40 (U.S.$2.5) per litre. "It goes without saying that rising fuel prices and the price of wheat-based commodities like bread will continue to rise if this is not nipped in the bud soon," said Jannie Venter of Integrated Service Solutions. Forecasts indicate a price hike in July. According to Investec chief economist Annabel Bishop, consumer should lower any expectations for food and energy prices to drop in the near term amid sanctions against Russia and warning from NATO that the war with Ukraine may last years.
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Power Cuts Escalate as Power Utility Workers Continue Wildcat Strike
South Africa has been warned to brace for more scheduled power cuts as Eskom workers continue their unsanctioned industrial action at several power stations. The strike has affected planned repairs and maintenance at the facilities. Eksom said measures have been taken to conserve generation capacity and to limit damage to the plants. The power utility further added that the availability of labour would also be a factor in the implementation of load shedding at short notice.
