Zuma Hands Himself Over to Authorities, Wage Agreement May Be Signed on Friday

LOCAL NEWS

• Ex-President Zuma hands himself over to police shortly before midnight deadline (11:15pm) to serve his 15-month sentence for contempt of court. No speeches or violence occurred outside his Nkandla residence.
  • The ANC commended Zuma for his compliance with the ConCourt order. Magahsule said Zuma must remain strong during this stormy period, encouraging supporters not to feel hopeless
• Public sector wage agreement expected to be signed on Friday as unions say they have begun drafting an agreement.
  • Although unions are not fully satisfied with the 1.5% increase, the cash gratuity is said to have clinched the deal
  • This will cost an approximate R18-20bn more and will need to be prioritised from other budgets to remain fiscally neutral – but overall is a net positive for government which has been firmer than most expected.
  • The main drawdown is this is just a one-year agreement – meaning renegotiation is required next year.
• EnergyMin Mantashe says draft amendments to the electricity act will be handed to Ramaphosa soon – lifting the licensing exemption threshold for independent projects to 100MW
• SA records 21,477 new covid infections & 411 deaths yesterday