For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: Eskom starts stakeholder engagements in Eastern Cape for new nuclear builds; Parly committee flags ARV imports by companies listed as local; And, Rwanda hikes policy rate after inflation rises past target band

Eskom starts stakeholder engagements in Eastern Cape for new nuclear builds

State-owned power utility Eskom’s Nuclear Operating Unit has started with a strategic stakeholder engagement programme in the Eastern Cape to outline its vision and plans for the implementation of 5.2 GW of new nuclear capacity.

The new nuclear capacity aligns with what is allocated in the country’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan.

Eskom chief nuclear officer Velaphi Ntuli, who is leading the delegation, says the Eastern Cape is being positioned as a strong potential host province for part of the nuclear new build programme.

Nuclear energy is expected to play a critical role in providing reliable baseload power, supporting industrial expansion, driving investment confidence and enabling job creation and socioeconomic development.

Ntuli says the allocation of 5.2 GW of new nuclear capacity represents a critical milestone in securing South Africa’s long-term energy future.

Parly committee flags ARV imports by companies listed as local

Chairperson for the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Faith Muthambi is urging greater transparency and accountability in the process of awarding of antiretroviral drug tenders.

The committee expressed concerns over an apparent lack of due diligence by the Health Department when awarding tenders to Barrs Pharmaceuticals Industries and Innovata Pharmaceuticals, which were placed under business rescue in December.

The committee questioned the impact of the two suppliers being unable to meet their contractual obligations and the extent of the problem, as well as the contingency plans the department has in place, and if due diligence was conducted on the suppliers prior to their receiving the tender.

Further, the department indicated that it is procuring at least 70% of its ARVs from local manufacturers.

However, committee members questioned this, estimating that 70% of ARVs are imported, while only 30% are produced domestically.

Muthambi said the department lists Innovata, Barrs, Aurobindo and Viatris as local manufacturers, despite evidence that they are importing ARVs into South Africa.

The committee said it sought documentation proving that these manufacturers are indeed producing ARVs in South Africa.

And, Rwanda hikes policy rate after inflation rises past target band

Rwanda's central bank hiked its key lending rate by 50 basis points to 7.25% today after inflation rose beyond its target band.

Inflation accelerated to 8.9% year on year in January from 8.0% in December. The central bank aims to keep inflation in a range of 2% to 8%.

The Monetary Policy Committee will continue to monitor inflation and economic developments and stands ready to adjust the policy if inflation pressures intensify beyond projections.

Risks to the inflation outlook included lower agricultural output, persistent energy-related cost pressures and global and regional geopolitical tensions.

Based on the National Bank of Rwanda's current forecasts, inflation will remain slightly above 8% in the first half of this year before returning towards the target band by the end of 2026.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on the X platform, at the handle @PolityZA