South Africa: What's Happening In South African News - July 11, 2022

South African currency, soccer, Police Minister Bheki Cele, rising food prices, monkeypox, South African flag (file photo).
8 July 2022

Cape Town —  

Update as at 16h30 - SAST

Rand Falls R17/U.S.$1 - Fears of Beckoning Global Recession 

South Africa's currency has fallen to R17 to the dollar - the lowest it has been since August 2020. The rand's weakened position is due to the dollar strength but is also impacted by international and domestic events. The impact of load shedding has also impacted the country's growth prospects and has raised market concerns.

Blow for Banyana Banyana as Thembi Kgatlana Ruled Out of WAFCON Quarters

Banyana Banya star forward, Thembi Kgatlana 26, who also currently plays for Atletico Madrid, sustained a ruptured achilles tendon in the SASOL-sponsored Banyana Banyana's WAFCON Group C match against Botswana on Sunday July 10, 2022. She was stretchered off the pitch in Morocco in the 69th minute. Kgatlana underwent an MRI scan which confirmed the extent of the injury on July 11, 2022. She will return to South Africa for surgery.

Police Minister Bheki Cele In Firing Line

Crime statistics from January to March 2022 point to over 6,600 murders in that period. Police Minister Bheki Cele has been described by Action Society Director of Community Safety Ian Cameron, as a "leader in poor performance as South Africa sees the murder of at least 67 people per day". Minister Cele has had a tough few weeks - including a "shut up" shouting match with Cameron at a public meeting on community crime and safety in Gugulethu township, where he was accused of not performing his duties as minister. Cele has also been accused of mismanaging police funds and has been accused by the suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Francinah Vuma of conspiring to having her killed.

SAFTU calls for Shutdown Over High Living Costs

The SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has called for a national shutdown in protest of the rising costs of living and the problems plaguing the working class in South Africa.  Saftu announced that it was in consultation with various stakeholders to pull off a massive strike that will be a show of force by civil society against a litany of issues that is facing the country, including the high cost of petrol, food, electricity, the loss of jobs and growing unemployment, which mainly affects young people.

Monkeypox Case Found In Limpopo Province

A monkeypox case has been traced in Limpopo to a 42-year-old Swiss tourist. So far three contacts for the man has been identified and are not showing symptoms. According to reports, the provincial health MEC Phophi Ramathuba said the symptoms presented were  rash, lymphadenopathy, muscle ache, and fatigue.

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