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

Making headlines: Electricity minister says loadshedding won't be ended 'through an act of God'; DA reports 130 Mangaung sewage leaks to Human Rights Commission; And, Kenyan opposition leader Odinga says protests on despite police ban

Electricity minister says loadshedding won't be ended 'through an act of God

Newly appointed Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa visited the Lethabo Power Station in the Free State last week.

He said Lethabo had been the first power station he visited that was performing well. 

Ahead of the Easter weekend, Ramokgopa said he was optimistic that loadshedding would end but that it would not end with prayer or through an act of God. 

The power problem is taking a huge chunk out South Africa's GDP. 

He said unserviced electricity in the country is costing the South African economy R500-billion per annum.

He added that Stats SA revealed that the GDP contraction as a result of loadshedding is about 2.1% points. Just the other day the South African economy has contracted by 1.3% on the back of loadshedding. 

DA reports 130 Mangaung sewage leaks to Human Rights Commission

Owing to the sewage crisis affecting the Mangaung Metro Municipality in the Free State, the Democratic Alliance wants the Human Rights Commission to investigate 130 leaks it has identified, following daily complaints of overflowing toilets and sewers from residents. 

The DA believes that the Mangaung municipality has failed residents by its apparent unwillingness to assist and maintain the sewer lines in the city. 

Financial constraints epitomise the reasoning given by the municipality as to why infrastructure that is so critical to the city cannot be replaced.

The party said National Treasury approved R70-million from the service delivery grant for refurbishment/maintenance of sewerage and wastewater infrastructure in Mangaung.

The party has concerns over the municipality’s management of its budget.

And, Kenyan opposition leader Odinga says protests on despite police ban

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga said protests against President William Ruto's government over the high cost of living would go ahead today as scheduled despite a police ban.

In a Twitter post, Odinga also called for protests on Thursday. Nairobi's central business district had a heavy police presence ahead of Monday's planned gatherings. 

Last week, protests in the capital Nairobi and other cities turned violent and one person was killed.

Police arrested more than 200 people, including lawmakers belonging to Odinga's faction in both houses of the parliament.

Yesterday, Kenya's police chief announced a ban on the fresh protests called by Odinga, saying such acts remained illegal.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter [@PolityZA]