South Africa · Country watch
Gauteng Malaria Surge, NMB Power Tariff Crisis
Gauteng faces a malaria outbreak, while unlawful power tariffs threaten Nelson Mandela Bay's manufacturing sector.
In this briefing Nelson Mandela Bay · Nersa · Gauteng · Malaria · KwaZulu-Natal · eThekwini
Disruption
Unlawful power tariffs threaten NMB manufacturing
Nelson Mandela Bay's manufacturing sector is under threat due to soaring electricity costs, which have been exacerbated by municipal tariffs that Nersa has admitted were unlawfully approved, reports Daily Maverick. These tariffs have increased operational costs, affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of local manufacturing businesses. The manufacturing sector is a significant employer in the region, and the increased costs could lead to job losses and reduced investment.
Impact Manufacturers in Nelson Mandela Bay face higher operational costs and potential job losses due to unlawful power tariffs.
Sources: Daily Maverick ↗
Safety & health
Gauteng records 17 malaria deaths amid infection surge
Gauteng province is experiencing a surge in malaria infections, with 17 reported deaths, according to IOL. Health authorities have urged residents to take precautions as cases have increased by nearly 39%. The rise in infections is attributed to increased rainfall and warmer temperatures, which provide favorable conditions for mosquito breeding. The provincial health department is intensifying efforts to control the outbreak, including awareness campaigns and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
Impact Employers in Gauteng face increased health risks for staff and potential operational disruptions due to the malaria outbreak.
Sources: IOL - Independent Online ↗
Politics
Eight KZN municipalities cleared for council meetings
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Eight municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal with outright political majorities have been cleared to hold their inaugural council meetings, according to IOL. These municipalities can proceed with electing new leaders, while other hung councils, including eThekwini, must wait until November 23 for coalition negotiations to conclude. This development allows for the continuation of local governance in these areas, while coalition talks continue in the remaining councils.
Impact Public-sector operations in eight KZN municipalities can proceed with new leadership, while others await coalition outcomes.
Watch Coalition negotiations in hung councils continue until November 23. · 23 November 2026
Sources: IOL - Independent Online ↗
Nothing significant reported today in Regulation · Internal tension · Companies · Markets · Trade.
Also today in the local press
- Horse trading as coalition talks kick into gear — Mail & Guardian
- ANC presidents live in wards run by rival parties — Mail & Guardian
- Editorial: Lot more money for the fat cats — Mail & Guardian
- 127 hung councils put South Africa’s coalition governments to the test — IOL
- More than 5,000 gardaí deployed as EU events lock down Dublin city centre — Sunday World
- Coalition uncertainty looms over eThekwini after MK Party election gains — IOL
- MADLANGA COMMISSION: Intelligence chief warns of ongoing state infiltration by mafia-like networks — Daily Maverick
- ANC Western Cape begins pre-coalition talks in hung councils — SABC News
Sources in this briefing
Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.