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TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

South Africa · Country watch

Eskom Chair Steps Down, Ermelo Water Crisis Looms

Eskom's board chair will step down in October, and Ermelo faces an acute water crisis due to pollution and infrastructure issues.

· · 8 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in South Africa are deteriorating due to leadership changes at Eskom, a looming water crisis in Ermelo, and scrutiny of municipal grant spending. These issues affect energy stability, water access, and infrastructure development.

In this briefing North West municipalities · Municipal Infrastructure Grant · Ermelo · Mpumalanga · Eskom · Ramokgopa

Regulation

  • construction
  • public-sector

North West municipalities grilled on grant spending

yellow and black heavy equipment near brown wooden post
Steward Masweneng / Unsplash

North West municipalities faced scrutiny over unspent infrastructure grants, IOL reports. Discussions focused on the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant. Officials emphasized the need for sound planning, efficient expenditure, accurate reporting, and compliance with grant requirements. The scrutiny aims to ensure that funds are used effectively to improve infrastructure and service delivery in the region.

Impact Construction and public-sector entities in North West must improve grant compliance to secure future funding.

Sources: IOL - Independent Online ↗

Disruption

  • public-sector

Ermelo braces for another Day Zero

R33 route at Assegaai River, just south of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga
R33 route at Assegaai River, just south of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga JMK, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Ermelo in Mpumalanga is facing an acute drinking water shortage due to severe mining and sewage pollution, aging infrastructure, and looming El Niño conditions, Mail & Guardian reports. The town is preparing for 'Day Zero', when taps could run dry within months. Local authorities are under pressure to find solutions to avert a crisis that would affect residents and businesses alike. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of water management in South Africa.

Impact Residents and businesses in Ermelo face water shortages, affecting daily operations and living conditions.

Sources: Mail & Guardian ↗

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • energy

Eskom board chair to step down in October

Eskom's board chair will step down at the end of his tenure in October, according to SABC News. Minister Ramokgopa is expected to brief the media regarding the leadership transition. This change in leadership comes as Eskom continues to face challenges in stabilising South Africa's electricity supply. The board chair's departure may lead to shifts in Eskom's strategic direction, impacting its operations and future plans.

Impact Energy sector operators may face strategic uncertainties as Eskom transitions leadership.

Watch Minister Ramokgopa will brief the media on Eskom's board leadership.

Sources: SABC News ↗

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in South Africa

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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