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

Making headlines: Johannesburg High Court returns to online hearings due to loadshedding; Presidency spokesperson says Ramaphosa 'deeply regrets' loadshedding; And, EFF asks ConCourt to overturn National Assembly decision on Ramaphosa impeachment

Johannesburg High Court returns to online hearings due to loadshedding

Constant outages due to loadshedding have resulted in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg reverting to the online system that was adopted during the Covid-19 lockdown, as there is no alternative power source.

Deputy Judge President of the Gauteng Division, Roland Sutherland, said this was a result of the effect of loadshedding on the court building, and the failure of the Office of the Chief Justice and Department of Public Works to provide the court with a reliable generator which could cover during the outages.

In a written notice today, Sutherland said the mandate was effective immediately and apologised for what he called the "grossly inadequate service" being made available to the public. 

The default mode for hearing all matters will now be via video link. 

Sutherland said the presiding judge could adapt this where appropriate, and in consultation with the parties.

Presidency spokesperson says Ramaphosa 'deeply regrets' loadshedding

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says President Cyril Ramaphosa "deeply regrets" the current electricity crisis and has demanded "urgency" in implementing priority areas of the National Energy Plan.

On Wednesday, Eskom announced Stage 6 loadshedding until further notice, with the power utility saying this resulted from breakdowns at its power stations.

Magwenya said the president acknowledges the frustration of households, parents, and learners who have commenced the school calendar year, facing power shortages. The devastation to small businesses and the adverse impact on the economy remains severe for South Africa's recovering economy.

He said Ramaphosa is occupied with "finding a sustainable solution" to loadshedding.

And, EFF asks ConCourt to overturn National Assembly decision on Ramaphosa impeachment

The Economic Freedom Fighters is heading to the Constitutional Court to challenge the National Assembly's decision not to institute impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The party will also ask the court to allow it to oppose Ramaphosa's application to review and set aside the report of the independent panel, which found that he had a prima facie case to answer.

In late November, the panel - which Parliament appointed - released the report, which contained a recommendation that the National Assembly should institute the impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa.

At first Ramaphosa considered resigning, but he decided to fight back and ask the Constitutional Court to review the report instead.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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