Johannesburg and City Power are set to experience electricity outages due to a significant outstanding debt owed to Eskom, the state-owned power utility. Eskom reports that the City of Johannesburg currently owes R4.9 billion, with an additional R1.4 billion due by the end of November 2024. Despite ongoing negotiations to address the situation, Eskom has indicated it can no longer continue to supply power without risking its own operational stability.
As of September 2024, unpaid municipal bills to Eskom have reached R90 billion, placing immense pressure on the utility’s financial health. While the City of Johannesburg acknowledges the debt, it has raised concerns over alleged overcharges for certain supply points, which it believes justify withholding full payment. Eskom, however, highlighted that the City’s management and City Power had previously agreed to a payment plan while the overbilling issues were investigated. Reports suggest that this agreement has now been breached, escalating tensions between the parties.
Illegal Medicine Sales on the Rise in Gauteng
In Gauteng, the illegal sale of prescription medications is becoming an increasing concern, with health authorities warning of the potential dangers to consumers. The Department of Health recently uncovered unlicensed medications being sold at various establishments across the province. According to South African law, only licensed pharmacies and registered healthcare professionals are permitted to dispense prescription drugs.
Motalatale Modiba, a spokesperson for Gauteng Health, expressed concern that improperly stored medicines could degrade and become toxic, posing significant health risks to both consumers and business owners. Authorities are urging stricter enforcement and monitoring to curb this illegal trade and ensure public safety.
Bloemfontein Residents Loot Spaza Shops After School Poisoning Incident
In Bloemfontein, a troubling incident involving 47 students from Ihobe Primary School has led to violent protests and looting of foreign-owned spaza shops. The students were hospitalized after consuming expired biscuits and chocolates, believed to have been purchased from these shops. The community’s anger over the incident boiled over as residents targeted spaza shops, looting goods in response to the poisoning.
Local community members are calling for greater oversight from health authorities, urging the government to send inspectors to monitor wholesale and spaza shops in the area. They believe proactive measures are necessary to prevent further incidents of unsafe food sales, rather than waiting for another tragedy to occur.
These incidents highlight growing concerns regarding public health, safety, and the impact of financial struggles on vital services in South Africa.