For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: Sacci says Maponya was a beacon of light for black business during apartheid, DA demands full transparency from Eskom and, things to watch out for in Parliament in 2020

Sacci says Maponya was a beacon of light for black business during apartheid

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry said renowned businessman Richard Maponya, who died aged 99 after a short illness, was a shining beacon of light for black business during apartheid.

Maponya defied the restrictions of decades-long white apartheid rule to build a business empire, culminating in the opening of the Maponya mall in the sprawling Soweto township in 2007 which boasts more than 200 stores and a cinema complex. 

Sacci said Maponya was not only an activist, but a visionary and innovative leader in business and South African society in general.

DA demands full transparency from Eskom

DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises Ghaleb Cachalia has demanded full transparency from State power utility Eskom after it announced Sunday plans to implement load-shedding.

Cachalia pointed out that the announcement came despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s assurance in December last year that there would be no load-shedding until mid-January.

He added that Eskom was also hoping to garner R69-billion from consumers through a price hike – an application which the National Energy Regulator of South Africa will take in court next week, against Eskom.

Things to watch out for in Parliament in 2020

Another turbulent year is expected for Parliament. Here are some of the issues the national legislature will grapple with this year. 

The removal proceedings against Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane constituted by several adverse court rulings went against her in 2019, amending of Section 25 to allow expropriation without compensation.

South Africans can expect to see how the long awaited National Health Insurance will improve health care as promised by government as well as the issue of state owned entities particularly Eskom.

Lastly, bringing the corruption crooks to books remain an important issue. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola and National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi made good impressions and promised that those accused of state capture will be brought to book.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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