Johannesburg City Power is facing substantial losses from a fraud scheme implicating 15 employees. In Durban, the restaurant sector suffers closures due to economic pressures. The government has launched an End TB campaign aiming for five million tests annually to combat tuberculosis, a leading health crisis.
Johannesburg City Power has reported extensive financial losses due to widespread fraudulent activities, involving 15 employees facing disciplinary action for their participation in a multi-million-rand scheme. A recent Auditor General (AG) report criticized the utility for weak internal controls, which resulted in billions in irregular expenditures. An investigation uncovered fraudulent activities where contractors submitted duplicate and inflated invoices, leading City Power to suspend all payments to these contractors while a thorough review is conducted.
In Umhlanga, a high-end dining and nightlife district in Durban, numerous restaurants have recently closed due to high rental costs, escalating operational expenses, and the economic effects of load shedding. This industry, contributing over R6 billion to the economy, is experiencing severe pressure, especially in Durban, which has faced additional challenges, including beach closures and restricted consumer spending. National franchises such as Famous Brands have even shut down 41 locations, while organizations like the Restaurant Association of South Africa strive to rejuvenate the sector.
The South African government has launched an initiative aiming to conduct five million tuberculosis (TB) tests annually as part of the End TB campaign in advance of World TB Day on March 24. TB continues to be a primary cause of death, particularly affecting men in South Africa, with alarming statistics revealing 270,000 new cases and 56,000 deaths reported in 2023, of which over half were among individuals living with HIV. Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized the importance of widespread testing for at-risk groups to combat this public health crisis, particularly in light of asymptomatic cases that contribute significantly to unnoticed transmission.
Johannesburg City Power faces a significant challenge due to internal fraud involving employees and contractors. Meanwhile, Durban’s restaurant industry is struggling amidst economic challenges, leading to numerous closures. On the other hand, the government’s initiative to test millions for tuberculosis demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing a major health concern in South Africa. These issues underscore the pressing need for robust strategies in both fiscal management and public health.
Original Source: allafrica.com
