The death toll resulting from the devastating KwaZulu-Natal floods has risen from four to seven, according to a report by EWN. The provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has confirmed that search-and-rescue teams have discovered additional bodies. Among the victims are three individuals who were swept away by the floods and subsequently found along the banks of the Umbilo River in Durban. The southeastern parts of the province continue to grapple with the consequences of the intense rainfall and powerful winds that battered the region earlier this week.
Sunrise Energy, a company based in the Western Cape, has secured a three-month supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through an interim agreement with Trafigura, a leading commodities trading giant, as reported by News24. This development follows the unexpected withdrawal of Vita Gas from a contract to import gas into the region. Concerns have been raised about gas prices after Vita Gas’s exit from Saldanha Bay, despite the fact that prices are regulated. Sunrise Energy has announced its intention to evaluate proposals from the market for the use of the terminal beyond September 2023, ensuring a continued supply of LPG.
TimesLive has reported allegations against Doctor Mashabane, the director-general of justice and constitutional development, accusing him of monopolizing a lift in his office building for personal use. The lift, which can only be accessed through his fingerprints, travels directly from the basement to his office on the 16th floor without stopping at any intermediate levels. Formerly used by disabled individuals, the lift now requires them to traverse a greater distance to reach an alternative elevator. The department has refuted these claims, asserting that the lift was reconfigured for security reasons and was originally intended for transporting goods. However, some staff members have voiced their suspicions, suggesting that the changes were made for Mashabane’s personal convenience. Although the department has offered a visit to the building for inspection, no confirmed date has been provided, and Mashabane was unavailable for comment as he is currently on leave.
