September 09, 2024.

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

Making headlines:

Ramaphosa says China’s tech capabilities can support Africa’s industrialisation

Law firm campaigning to have Tiger Brands compensate those affected by listeriosis outbreak

And, Kenya asks public for help with economic fix laws after protests

Ramaphosa says China’s tech capabilities can support Africa’s industrialisation

President Cyril Ramaphosa said relations between South Africa and China has entered “a new era of opportunity”, following his visit to China last week, which he said has strengthened trade and investment ties and cemented shared commitment to economy growth and job creation for the advancement of citizens in both countries.

Last week, Ramaphosa and some Cabinet Ministers attended the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, which brought together heads of State and government from across the continent. The summit was preceded by the President’s second State visit to China where he was hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Ramaphosa said government was encouraged at the potential for greater cooperation, investment and trade between South Africa and China with emphasis on low-carbon, climate-resilient economic growth.

He revealed there was significant interest from Chinese private commercial firms, State-owned enterprises and banks to invest in South Africa’s infrastructure build programme.

This, he said aligned with the South African government’s plans to modernise the country’s infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks.

Law firm campaigning to have Tiger Brands compensate those affected by listeriosis outbreak

Law firm RSI Attorneys has urged fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer Tiger Brands to accept liability for the world’s largest listeriosis outbreak in 2017 and 2018 and compensate the victims that still suffer six years after the fact.

In a briefing today, RSI unpacked additional evidence it says links Tiger Brands to the listeriosis outbreak South Africa experienced.

As South Africa commemorates the sixth anniversary of the listeriosis outbreak, RSI and LHL Attorneys are launching a campaign calling on Tiger Brands to compensate those whose lives were affected after they or their loved ones ate infected products.

The outbreak resulted in more than 1 000 confirmed cases of listeriosis, of which 218 were fatal. Of the confirmed cases, 465 were associated with pregnancy.

The contaminated facility has since been closed.

Kenya asks public for help with economic fix laws after protests

Kenya's finance ministry will seek suggestions from the public on new legislation to boost revenue and tackle other challenges, Finance Minister John Mbadi said today, after protesters forced the government to withdraw its financing law.

President William Ruto discarded tax hikes worth more than 346-billion shillings in June after protests that killed more than 50 people.

The move left the heavily indebted government with a bigger budget deficit for this financial year, mounting pending bills, and a delay in funding from the International Monetary Fund.

Mbadi was appointed from the opposition last month as Ruto sought to stabilise his government.

The minister initially said he would revive some tax hikes in the abandoned finance bill, before rowing back after a public outcry and threat of more protests.

Kenyans will have until September 20 to submit views.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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