Johannesburg City Power is grappling with significant financial losses from fraud, with 15 employees facing disciplinary measures. In Durban, numerous restaurants have closed due to economic strains. The government aims to conduct five million TB tests annually to combat rising infections and mortality, especially among high-risk populations.
Johannesburg’s City Power has reported substantial financial losses stemming from widespread fraud, with 15 employees facing disciplinary action for their roles in a multimillion-rand scam. A recent Auditor General’s report highlighted poor internal controls, resulting in billions of rand in irregular expenditures. An investigation revealed that fraudulent, duplicate, and inflated invoices were submitted by contractors, leading City Power to suspend payments to these contractors until a thorough examination of their transactions is completed. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena stated that payments to contractors are frozen pending additional analysis of their dealings.
The restaurant sector in Umhlanga, Durban, is undergoing significant challenges as many establishments, including some iconic brands, have had to close due to high rents and rising operational expenses exacerbated by the economic impact of load shedding. This industry, contributing over R6 billion to the economy and supporting millions of jobs, is facing immense pressure during this difficult period. Factors such as beach closings, water restrictions, and reduced consumer spending particularly affect Durban, where national franchises like Famous Brands have shuttered 41 outlets nationwide. Nevertheless, local organizations, such as the Restaurant Association of South Africa and the Durban Chamber of Commerce, are working to foster recovery and revitalize the industry.
In a proactive measure to address public health, the South African government has initiated a campaign to conduct five million Tuberculosis (TB) tests annually. Launched prior to World TB Day on March 24, this initiative aims to lower new infections and TB-related mortality rates. Tuberculosis remains a leading global cause of death, particularly among South African men, with significant statistics showing 270,000 new cases and 56,000 deaths in 2023, with a notable prevalence among those living with HIV. Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized the importance of widespread testing, specifically targeting high-risk populations, including families of affected individuals and communities with limited healthcare access. The campaign also seeks to mitigate the issue of asymptomatic TB cases, which constitute 58% of infections and facilitate unconscious transmission.
The recent developments in South Africa highlight significant challenges and initiatives across various sectors. Johannesburg’s City Power faces substantial fraud-related losses leading to the suspension of contractor payments. Meanwhile, Durban’s restaurant industry grapples with closures due to economic pressures amplified by load shedding. Lastly, the government’s ambitious plan to conduct five million TB tests annually aims to combat one of the nation’s leading health crises, reflecting a commitment to public health and prevention efforts. These issues underline the resilience required to navigate recovery and improvement in various realms of society.
Original Source: allafrica.com
