Ramaphosa appoints new prosecutions boss, and Eskom focussing on cutting energy costs

Today, 7 January, in Parliament, the Ad Hoc Committee investigating corruption in the criminal justice system will reconvene for the first time this year. 

The committee probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi adjourned in December last year. Members will discuss the public participation process and the upcoming resumption of oral hearings. 

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party leader and former President Jacob Zuma will hold a press briefing today at the Venezuelan Embassy.

The media briefing comes after US forces captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on 3 January. The party has already condemned the US for the military action on social media posts. 

In Johannesburg, Rand Water will continue with the second day of its maintenance programme, causing water outages in several areas across the city. The maintenance will conclude tomorrow, Thursday, 8 January. 

South Africa’s football team Bafana Bafana returned to the country this morning after being eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. 

The Rand is trading at R16.35 to the Dollar from R16.37 at the close of business on Tuesday.

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

Cyril Ramaphosa appoints new National Director of Public Prosecutions – SABC

In a surprise twist, South Africa’s president opted not to select one of the six shortlisted candidates for the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions, instead choosing Special Investigating Unit boss, Advocate Jan Lekgoa Mothibi.

South Africa’s ten-year government bond yield reaches seven-year low – BusinessTech

The country’s government bond yield has dropped to below 8.5% for over a month compared to 10.5% in January 2025, lowering South Africa’s debt costs.

Eskom focussing on reducing the cost of electricity – MyBroadband

Eskom senior manager Eric Shunmugam has said that the national energy utility has shifted its focus to reducing the cost of electricity now that South Africa’s energy system is stable.

Police Minister denies Tembisa Hospital whistleblower death probe has been botched – EWN

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia told Parliament on Tuesday that there has been no internal review of the investigation into Babita Deokaran’s murder because there have not been any problems.

The South African government is hoarding land – Newsday

Although there have been numerous promises and policy statements to empower Black farmers to own land, the South African government is holding onto roughly 2.5 million hectares of land.