For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Eskom wage negotiations enter final day; ANC decides on new North West premier; And, Motsoaledi to unveil crucial health bills

 

Eskom wage negotiations enter final day

Wage negotiations between Eskom and trade unions will today enter the final day after workers rejected the 4.7% wage offer from the embattled power utility.

Trade unions yesterday said they presented a consolidated wage proposal to Eskom as talks resumed for a second day this week after Eskom agreed to withdraw its 0% wage offer from the table. The unions would not divulge details of the offer, saying it was a "delicate process" which should not be negotiated in the media.

But it is believed that unions tabled a long list of demands which includes a 9% wage hike for 2018, plus 8.6% and 8.5% for the following two years. Workers also want a R1 000 housing allowance in 2018 and performance bonuses for 2017/18.

 

ANC decides on new North West premier

The ANC’s National Working Committee has decided on 70-year-old Job Mokgoro as the North West premier.

Mokgoro, who is the former director-general for the province, was picked during a special NWC meeting last night.

The party was racing against time as the 30-day deadline to find a candidate to replace Supra Mahumapelo is on Friday. Mahumapelo went on "early retirement" last month.

The judge president of the North West High Court in Mahikeng had already called for a sitting of the legislature on Friday to fill the vacancy.

 

And, Motsoaledi to unveil crucial health bills

Universal health care may become a reality as Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi gears up to present two bills to the public today.

The Medical Schemes Amendment Bill and the National Health Insurance Bill have the purpose of ushering in a set of health-financing reforms that aim to provide free healthcare to all South Africans.

Motsoaledi said most of the laws that have been painstakingly cobbled together since the advent of democracy would need to change. The bills will require amendments to 12 pieces of legislation.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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