South Africa Roundup: Flu outbreak, fire deaths, increased borrowing
Avian flu outbreak
South African health authorities have confirmed two strains of avian flu, H5N1 and influenza A (H7N6) since the outbreak began in September. The flu has resulted in a shortage of poultry products, eggs and chicken in supermarkets, resulting in importation and export restrictions. News24 reports that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development says vaccination will not prevent the disease but only decrease the severity of symptoms.
More borrowing
There are plans to announce measures to curb ‘runaway expenditure and debt’ and increase borrowing in the medium-term budget to be presented on November 1, South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana has said. Bloomberg reports that the minister indicated that it has become necessary to avoid more spending cuts.
Fatal fire investigated
Investigations have begun into circumstances that led to a fatal fire event that occurred at a five-story building in the Marshalltown district of Johannesburg. The BBC reports that the head of a judicial commission of inquiry set up to look into the August 2023 incident estimated six months for completion of inquiries.
BELA Bill
A major education bill to jail persons whose children are not in school has been passed by South Africa’s parliament. According to the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA), parents whose children are of school age and are not in school could be jailed for up to 12 months. The governing African National Congress (ANC) party supports the bill but other parties like the Democratic Alliance and AfriForum threaten to challenge it in court, IOL reports.
$1bn loan to tackle power crisis
South Africa is seeking a $1bn (£830m) loan from the World Bank to aid resolve the country's current energy crisis which is the worst ever in recent years. The World Bank says the loans will help respond to the ongoing power crisis and aid with the country's goal of " transitioning to a just and low carbon economy," the BBC reports.
