For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Mashatile confirms security detail involved in alleged highway assault; South Africa power outages may have reduced growth by 3.2 percentage points; And, Sello Hatang seeks to restore credibility after exit from Nelson Mandela Foundation

Mashatile confirms security detail involved in alleged highway assault

Deputy President Paul Mashatile today condemned acts of violence by his security detail and appealed to South Africans to allow law enforcement to complete its investigation.

This follows a viral video that showed unarmed civilians being assaulted by what looks like members of the South African Police Service VIP Protection Unit, on a Johannesburg highway.

The video has angered many South Africans who are calling for the security detail involved to be brought to book.

In a statement, Mashatile said he has full confidence in the Saps under the leadership of Police Minister Bheki Cele and the command of National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola.  

The Independent Investigative Directorate has also confirmed an investigation into the matter.

South Africa power outages may have reduced growth by 3.2 percentage points

South Africa’s energy crisis may have reduced the nation’s economic growth rate by as much as 3.2 percentage points last year and is likely to dampen output until at least early 2024, according to the central bank.

Eskom frequently implements loadshedding to protect the grid from collapse as the State-owned utility’s aging and poorly maintained plants can’t meet demand. Regular outages since January have lasted as long as 12 hours a day.

Governor Lesetja Kganyago has estimated the supply disruptions will cut 2 percentage points off output growth in 2023.

The central bank’s models estimate power cuts trimmed between 0.7 percentage points and 3.2 percentage points off the GDP growth rate in 2022.

And, Sello Hatang seeks to restore credibility after exit from Nelson Mandela Foundation

Former Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang has reflected on his 15-year tenure at the organisation, suggesting that his commitment to service is what guided his leadership temperament.

Complaints brought forward by employees at the Foundation recently saw the launch of an internal investigation into Hatang’s personal conduct within the workplace, and found that his conduct had been unbecoming and unacceptable for someone in his position.

He was subsequently fired from his role as the Foundation’s CEO.

Hatang  said the outcomes of the investigation are truly unfortunate and added that in the immediate term he will be focusing his attention on a matter that is vital to who he is and to how he can continue to serve the world.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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