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

Making headlines: Parliament hits back at Zondo, most of Eskom’s debt to be allocated to generation unit and, Joburg's internal investigations department stripped of power

Parliament hits back at Zondo

Parliament has strongly objected to the public criticisms made by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo for suggesting that Parliament would be incapable of preventing another bid to capture the State.

Zondo, who headed the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, has bemoaned Parliament’s progress in implementing the recommendations of the State capture commission report.

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said it would have been permissible for the Chief Justice to use appropriate channels to address his concerns over the implementation of the State capture report recommendations.

Most of Eskom’s debt to be allocated to generation unit

South Africa’s plan to split state power utility Eskom into three units envisions most of its R439-billion of debt being allocated to the generation business, which used most of the money.

About R40-billion of debt will be held by the transmission unit, which is expected to be established this year while R30-billion will be held by the distribution unit, with the balance going to the generation division.

Eskom said these numbers will change constantly as debt is settled.

The power utility is in dire financial straits because it is not generating enough income to cover its operating costs and service its loans.

Acute breakdowns of its poorly maintained coal-fired plants have set back efforts to restore it to profitability and resulted in record national electricity shortages.

Joburg's internal investigations department stripped of power

The powers of Johannesburg's Group Forensics and Investigation Services have been given to the City manager, Floyd Brink.

This came after a behind-closed-doors report at the 13th Ordinary Sitting of Council yesterday. 

The report was item 17 of 19, which took council until 9pm to get through.

The investigations conducted by the GFIS were neither compliant with the local government disciplinary regulations for senior managers, nor compliant with the approved GFIS delegations of authority.

The report was adopted by the Government of Local Unity, the name given to the ANC, Economic Freedom Fighters, Patriotic Alliance and minority party coalition.

The GFIS was created by the Democratic Alliance when it took over in 2016, as Johannesburg's anti-fraud and corruption service. 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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