No Signs of Agreement in Key Metros as Coalition Deadline Approaches

LOCAL NEWS

• Coalition deadline is due today, but most hung municipalities remain undecided – leading to the likelihood of another 14-day extension to complete discussions.
  • Many major metros remain hung, with Joburg & Tshwane still not on stable ground. Speculation about an ANC-IFP coalition in eThekwini is swirling with the ANC claiming a deal, while the IFP have denied it.
• Forensic experts question whether sabotage had a role to play in the recent failure of five power stations that triggered a shift to stage 2 load-shedding this week. Eskom says the issue is currently under investigation.
  • Eskom CEO De Ruyter says Treasury foot-dragging on public procurement is also hampering Eskom's ability to tackle maintenance challenges
• Modelling suggests the 4th covid wave is expected in early-Jan, but will not be as severe as the prior waves with 60-70% of the population having already contracted it and the vaccination rate having improved