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

Making headlines: Gordhan says SAA sale part of vital reforms; Home Affairs committee paves way for crucial Electoral Amendment Bill; And, Germany donates $4.9-million to vaccinate 70% of SA by year-end

Gordhan says SAA sale part of vital reforms

South Africa’s minister in charge of embattled State-owned companies gave an impassioned defense of the sale of a majority stake in the national carrier for about $3 – a deal that’s subject to a lawsuit from one of the spurned bidders.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said the privatisation of South African Airways is a vital reform for the country’s battered economy. The winning bidder -- a partnership between a domestic aviation group and private equity firm -- was the one left with the most credible financial backing and industry experience, he said.

Discussions with ratings companies suggest the move is “a classic example of reform.”

The acquisition by the Takatso Consortium has been criticized in some quarters for the notional purchase price, lack of transparency around the sale and an ongoing government requirement to settle debts. The group is made up of Global Airways, which owns domestic airline Lift, and private-equity firm Harith General Partners.

Home Affairs committee paves way for crucial Electoral Amendment Bill

Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has made several crucial decisions on how independent candidates would participate in general elections.

According to a statement from committee chairperson Mosa Chabane, it was satisfied with its work and had arrived at a balance between fairness for political parties and independent candidates.

The committee decided that the definitions in the draft bill of province and region should be retained.    

The committee also decided that independent candidates must have representation in liaison committees, which are a critical component of electoral work.    

In respect of prescribed minimum requirements for candidates to participate, the committee decided an independent candidate must provide at least 50% of the quota for a seat in the previous equivalent election.

And, Germany donates $4.9-million to vaccinate 70% of SA by year-end

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office has commitment $4.9-million to bolster UNICEF South Africa’s aim to vaccinate 70% of the population against Covid-19 by the end of 2022.

About 102 000 people have died in South Africa since the beginning of the pandemic. The country’s vaccination rate is currently almost 51% of the adult population and 37% for young people aged 18 to 34.

The resources will strengthen cold chain management and systems and communication and community engagement work, led by the national and provincial health departments.

There will be a focus on the 32 districts with the lowest Covid-19 vaccine coverage across the country.

The donation will also support equipment procurement, electronic inventory roll-out, and vaccine management training for frontline vaccinators and logistics personnel.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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