Road Accident Fund in Debt Spiral; Energy Dept Warns of Risks to LNG PowerShip Deal

LOCAL NEWS

• Civil group, Outa, says Govt has completely lost control of the Road Accident Fund, which is R300 billion in debt and reportedly on the brink of collapse.
  • Noted the fund has grown from R9bn a year to R45bn a year, and is being plundered by unscrupulous lawyers and officials that enable them – all while taxpayers keep footing the bill.
  • If the fund collapses, motorists will be left to fend for themselves in accidents and many will never receive compensation
• Energy Dept warns of risks from procuring 1,220MW of power from LNG 'power ships' as Govt looks to enter a 20y agreement with 'Karpowership SA' ships, which would eb difficult to renegotiate once signed.
  • Risks include LNG price volatility, USD/ZAR exchange rate and carbon/environmental taxes which will be passed onto consumers.
• CityPress notes any possible cabinet reshuffles in the near future would likely only be short-term as Govt's own study on the available options to restructure state institutions is pending
• SA researchers say risk of a third wave of infections in the next two weeks is low.
  • However, it is still too soon to know if Easter religious gatherings boosted infections. SA recorded 655 new cases and 65 deaths in the past 24hrs
• UDM leader calls for a weighted voting system for the impeachment proceedings against Public Protector Mkhwebane (UDM voted against impeachment). Notes the structure should mirror that of a portfolio committee.
  • This seems unlikely to happen, given the overwhelming 275 for vs 40 against vote, but could swing some votes towards the PP in the event that it is implemented