Ramaphosa calls Putin to try get South Africans home, and rising crime rates to be a key SONA focus

Today, 11 February, the rand is trading at R15.88 to the Dollar, from R15.94 at the close of business on Tuesday. 

Residents in Melville, Johannesburg, are planning to take to the streets today to protest against prolonged water outages. 

This is after some residents have gone over a month without water in their taps. Affected areas include Melville, Westdene, Parktown West and Emmerentia. 

Johannesburg Water said its reservoir is running low due to leaks and water pipe breakdowns. The entity resolved a conflict with workers that led to a go-slow on Monday and Tuesday. 

Private forensic investigator, Paul O’Sullivan, is set to continue with his testimony before the parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating police corruption today after completing his first day yesterday. 

He is threatening to withdraw from the process, arguing that he has been called not to give evidence, but to be interrogated because of allegations made against him by criminals. 

Parliament will hold a briefing today to provide an update on preparations for the State of the Nation Address, which is set to take place on Thursday. 

Here are five other big things happening in South Africa today:

Ramaphosa and President Putin discuss return of South Africans fighting for Russia –Business Day

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to facilitate the safe return of South Africans fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine during a phone call on Tuesday. 

Government jumps for joy over 13,000 vaccines for 15 million cattle – Newsday

The South African government has declared the delivery of 12,900 foot and mouth disease vaccinations a turning point in the fight against South Africa’s biggest outbreak in history, but MPs and agriculture bodies say this is only a drop in the ocean.

Crime rates have risen since the last SONA – eNCA

Security Analyst Andy Mashaile says that despite promises made by the president during the last State of the Nation Address, crime statistics show that most categories of crime are on the rise, and the reforms that were promised have not been implemented. 

Maimane says next DA leader should champion inclusivity – EWN

Former Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader and current leader of Build One South Africa, Mmusi Maimane, said that the DA must decide if it will be stuck in its old ways or if it will reform and invite other people into leadership, following the resignation of DA leader John Steenhuisen. 

South Africans are poorer than 20 years ago – BusinessTech

Recent statistics reveal that South Africa’s per capita GDP is lower than it was 20 years ago, and is now below where it was in 2007, with South Africa’s economy underperforming due to its energy system and labour market, the foundations of economic activity.