For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: AU secures 270-million vaccine doses for African countries, Eskom to implement Stage 2 load-shedding from 12:00 and, Just 4 critical care beds available in Eastern Cape's poorest regions

AU secures 270-million vaccine doses for African countries

The African Union, through the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team, has secured 270-million vaccine doses to supply African countries, with at least 50-million doses available for April to June 2021.

A 10-member team was established in August 2020 by AU chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure that the continent could secure sufficient vaccine doses to achieve herd immunity.

The vaccines will be supplied by Pfizer, AstraZeneca through independent licensee, the Serum Institute of India and Johnson & Johnson.

Arrangements have been made with financial service company African Export–Import Bank to support member States that want to access these vaccines based on a ‘whole-of-Africa’ approach.

Eskom to implement Stage 2 load-shedding from 12:00

State-owned power utility Eskom has advised that Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented from midday on January 14 through to the end of January 17.

Eskom says the load-shedding is necessary owing to two tripped generation units at the Kusile power station, as a result of failure of the main coal feed conveyor belts supplying coal to the units.

Additionally, two units experienced unforeseen breakdowns at the Kriel and Duvha power stations.

Just 4 critical care beds available in Eastern Cape's poorest regions

Hospitals in the Eastern Cape, one of the province's hardest hit by Covid-19, have at present 217 beds for critical care patients.

The Sarah Baartman and Alfred Nzo districts have the lowest number of critical care beds for Covid-19 admission - with each having only four available beds.

The Joe Qabi region has five critical care beds, while the Amathole district has six.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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