For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Nadine Ramdass.
Making headlines: Cabinet approves measures to restrict scrap exports, government clarifies that 'final offer' to public sector unions is an effective 7.5% and, German executive Markus Bruegmann quits job days after corruption arrests

Cabinet approves measures to restrict scrap exports

Cabinet has approved a “comprehensive package” of policy measures to restrict trade in scrap metal to limit damage to public infrastructure.

This includes the ongoing theft of copper cables, which is said to be costing the economy R46-billion yearly.

Details of the measures have not yet been released, but it has been confirmed that they will involve restrictions on the trade of waste scrap and semi-processed metals.

On August 5, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel published draft policy proposals for public comment and government subsequently received significant feedback, including from those opposed to the implementation of trade restrictions.

Government clarifies that 'final offer' to public sector unions is an effective 7.5%

The government has made clear that the "final offer" tabled to unions in the deadlocked public service wage talks is an effective 7.5% increase, which is expected to cost the fiscus R34-billion.

Government issued a statement on what it called the final offer yesterday evening, hours after seven unions representing an estimated 800 000 members announced a national day of action in protest against the previous offer of a 3% increase.

Unions are demanding a 10% baseline increase.

This final offer is made up of a 3% pensionable baseline increase and a 4.5% non-pensionable increase, and does not differ from what was tabled to unions previously.

German executive Markus Bruegmann quits job days after corruption arrests

Former Asea Brown Boveri employee Markus Bruegmann has resigned as CEO of Rock Tech Lithium, a multinational start-up, following allegations by prosecutors of his involvement in corruption for which former Eskom boss Matshela Koko and seven others were charged last month.

Besides Koko and his wife, and stepdaughters, a former employee of the State Security Agency, Eskom's former project manager for Kusile, Frans Sithole, and others were arrested and appeared in the Middelburg Regional Court on charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.

They were all granted bail, ranging from R70 000 to R300 000, and will appear in court again on March 23.

ABB was awarded a R2-billion contract in 2015 to install control and instrumentation systems at the Kusile power station.

Bruegmann was named as accused number 16 in a draft charge sheet served before the court in connection with one count of corruption. He, through his attorney Ulrich Roux, denied any wrongdoing.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today
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