Johannesburg City Power has incurred substantial fraud-related losses, resulting in disciplinary actions against employees. Meanwhile, Durban’s restaurant industry faces closures due to economic pressures. The government aims to increase Tuberculosis testing to five million annually in a bid to combat the disease ahead of World TB Day.
Johannesburg City Power has reported substantial financial losses attributed to extensive fraud, leading to disciplinary action against 15 employees linked to a multimillion-rand scheme. According to EWN, a critical report from the Auditor General indicated that inadequate internal controls resulted in billions of rand spent irregularly. An investigation uncovered that contractors had presented fraudulent, duplicate, and inflated invoices, prompting City Power to suspend payments pending a thorough review of these contracts. Isaac Mangena, a spokesperson for City Power, affirmed that payments remain on hold as they assess dealings with the involved contractors.
The dining and nightlife scene in Umhlanga, Durban, faces economic challenges as several renowned restaurants have shuttered due to high rental prices, escalating operational costs, and the adverse impacts of load shedding, as reported by IOL. The restaurant sector, contributing over R6 billion to the economy and sustaining millions of jobs, is significantly pressured. With additional issues such as beach closures and water shortages affecting consumer spending, even major franchises like Famous Brands have closed 41 outlets nationwide. Nevertheless, organizations like the Restaurant Association of South Africa and the Durban Chamber of Commerce are making efforts to revive this vital industry.
In an initiative to combat Tuberculosis (TB), the South African government plans to conduct five million tests annually for the disease. This measure is part of the End TB campaign, which coincides with World TB Day on March 24, as reported by SABC News. TB remains a significant cause of global mortality, particularly affecting South African men, as evidenced by 270,000 new cases and 56,000 deaths in 2023, with more than half among individuals living with HIV. Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized the importance of extensive testing for high-risk populations, including families of TB patients and communities lacking healthcare access, while also addressing asymptomatic cases that facilitate the transmission of the disease.
In summary, Johannesburg’s City Power is dealing with severe financial implications due to fraud, leading to disciplinary actions against implicated employees. Furthermore, the restaurant industry in Durban is struggling with economic difficulties, prompting closures, yet efforts are being made for revitalization. The government is also intensifying its fight against Tuberculosis by aiming for five million annual tests, targeting high-risk groups amid rising infection rates.
Original Source: allafrica.com
