Ekurhuleni backtracks on land expropriation, and Eskom rejects $13 billion donation

Today, 20 January, the Rand is trading at R16.37 to the Dollar, from R16.40 at the close of business on Monday. 

In Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces will convene a joint meeting to plan the 2026 parliamentary year. 

The Ad-Hoc Committee investigating corruption in the police and criminal justice system will hear from former Independent Police Investigative Directorate Head Robert McBride today. 

World leaders will continue with the second day of the World Economic Forum today in Davos, Switzerland.

South Africa is represented by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, along with several other ministers, including Ronald Lamola, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Patricia de Lille. 

As heavy rains ease in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, mop-up operations have begun to assist those affected by floods. 

Over 1,300 houses, roads and buildings have been damaged. Progress is being made to repair roads, providing access to healthcare facilities and schools.

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

Eskom turns down $13 billion donation – News24

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says that the terms of the more than R213 billion pledged by major Western powers to help Eskom decarbonise are not attractive enough. He said Eskom will need to turn to other funding options, such as the bond market or commercial banks.

Ekurhuleni reverses 34-hectare land expropriation  – EWN

After a seven-year battle between the City of Ekurhuleni and the owners of a 34-hectare plot in Driefontein, the municipality has suddenly decided to scrap its plans for expropriating the land, initially earmarked for housing development. 

Department of Tourism did not pay safety monitors – Newsday

The Department of Tourism did not pay hundreds of young South Africans for working as Tourism Safety Monitors over the festive season.

Andre de Ruyter returns to South Africa – BusinessTech

Former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter has returned to South Africa and taken up a consultancy role for renewable energy companies, while conducting academic research abroad on a part-time basis.

Severe geomagnetic storm to hit South Africa – The Citizen

The South African National Space Agency has announced that the country will experience a G4 geomagnetic storm today, potentially disrupting navigation, communication and electricity networks as well as aviation and drone operations.