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

Making headlines: Mixed reactions to Ramaphosa’s 2022 SoNA; Still no deal between SAA and Takatso equity partnership after eight months; And, South Africa records 3 169 new cases

Mixed reactions to Ramaphosa’s 2022 SoNA

Following his much anticipated 2022 State of the Nation Address last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa received some mixed reactions to his speech.

The Democratic Alliance wants to see Ramaphosa significantly reform labour legislation and downsize his public sector.

Inkatha Freedom Party treasurer-general Narend Singh said for Ramaphosa to admit that Cabinet will take full responsibility for the July unrest was a big, bold step.

GOOD party MP Brett Herron said although the President spoke extensively about jobs he wanted to hear when the targets would be achieved.

African National Congress chairperson Gwede Mantashe pointed out that while the President outlined government’s vision, it was the duty of the Ministers to develop execution plans.

Still no deal between SAA and Takatso equity partnership after eight months

It has been eight months since the Department of Public Enterprises announced that South African Airways has selected a preferred strategic equity partner  - the Takatso consortium - to enable the State-owned flag carrier to operate without further government bailouts.

The department and SAA said this week that the sale and purchase agreement are at an "advanced stage" and that once finalised, government would inform the public.

Takatso also confirmed that negotiations with the department to buy a 51% stake in SAA are ongoing.

SAA was in business rescue for more than a year, from December 2019 to April 2021, and started domestic commercial flights again in September last year. It had stopped commercial flights in May 2020, when the rescue practitioners indicated that there were insufficient funds to continue with these.

And, South Africa records 3 169 new cases

South Africa recorded 3 169 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, which represent an 8.8% positivity rate.

There have been 12 new Covid-19-related deaths in the last 48 hours. As a result of an audit, an additional 191 deaths were reported, increasing the confirmed death toll to 96 705.

There were 86 new hospital admissions in the last 24-hour reporting cycle. As of Thursday, 4 354 people were in public and private hospitals for the respiratory disease. 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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