Daily news update: Ramokgopa’s fight against Eskom sabotage, Lady R docking investigated, cholera cases at 229

Here’s your morning news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.

Daily news update: Monday, 29 May 2023

Ramokgopa to use new powers to fight sabotage at Eskom’s power stations – report

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has reportedly hit the ground running with the new powers given to him by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

On Friday, it was announced that Ramaphosa had transferred electricity generation powers from Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe to Ramokgopa.

On the same day, Ramokgopa met with Police Minister Bheki Cele and the president’s security adviser Sydney Mufamadi.

City Press reports that Ramokgopa used the meetings to discuss increasing security at power stations around the country.

READ MORE HERE.

Ramaphosa names panel to investigate Lady R docking incident

President Cyril Ramaphosa formed a three-person panel to investigate the controversial docking of a Russian ship, the Lady R, in Simon’s Town back in December 2022.

Ramaphosa initially announced this independent panel on 11 May 2023, when replying to questions in the National Assembly.

On Sunday, spokesperson for the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, said the inquiry will be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Phineas Mojapel.

READ MORE HERE.

Van Reenen’s Pass blocked as protesters threaten to set police station alight

Protesting community members have taken to Van Reenen’s Pass on the N3 toll route in KwaZulu-Natal, causing more than just a minor roadblock as they threaten to light up the local police station.

As the clock struck 1pm today, Van Reenen’s Pass became a no-go zone as traffic ground to a halt with burning tires blocking lanes.

Community members closed off the road due to the actions of the local member of the South African Police Service (Saps).

READ MORE HERE.

Cholera in Hammanskraal: cases up to 229

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has confirmed that as of 6pm on Saturday, a total of 229 patients have sought medical attention for cholera at the Jubilee District Hospital.

Among these cases, 23 patients have been transferred to other hospitals within the Tshwane region for further treatment.

The department said, in recent days, there has been a decline in the number of patients presenting with symptoms of diarrheal disease at health facilities.

READ MORE HERE.

Stage 5 load shedding from Sunday as 11 generating units remain offline

Just when you thought things couldn’t get more challenging, escalating power outages sneak up to ruin your weekend.

Due to several breakdowns at 10 power stations, Eskom said it is forced to increase the load shedding stage.

Starting on Sunday, stage 5 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm until 5am on Monday.

But the light at the end of the tunnel still seems distant as the load shedding pattern will likely persist for the unforeseeable future.

READ MORE HERE.

Newborn babies in cardboard boxes: Mahikeng Hospital being probed

The North West Department of Health is investigating the circumstances surrounding a case of newborn babies being placed in cardboard boxes in Mahikeng Provincial Hospital’s neonatal section.

The incident at the North West hospital came to light after a Facebook post showed babies wrapped in purple hospital blankets with nasogastric tubes, and placed in brown boxes.

According to preliminary internal investigations by hospital management, the incident happened during the day on Saturday.

READ MORE HERE.

Riveiro sets sights on bigger achievements for Pirates next season

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has already set his sight on bigger achievements next season after scooping two cup titles in his first season in the PSL. 

Riveiro guided Pirates to the Nedbank Cup victory at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening, beating Sekhukhune United 2-1 in the final. 

The Spaniard has already led the Buccaneers to the MTN8 title earlier in the season and also finished second in the DStv Premiership.

READ MORE HERE.