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

Making headlines: S Africa plans $20.5bn of public works to spur economy, Eskom sees lower risk of power cuts during winter and, Gauteng now has 3 167 cases, with 1 993 recoveries and 31 deaths

S Africa plans $20.5bn of public works to spur economy

South Africa is planning projects worth $20.5-billion in sectors such as transport, energy and water as it looks to drive an economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis, a top official in the governing African National Congress said on Wednesday.

Paul Mashatile, the ANC's treasurer general, told a video conference organised by think tank Chatham House that the infrastructure projects would soon be approved by President Cyril Ramaphosa's cabinet after talks with the private sector and multilateral development banks.

The projects would focus on areas such as railways, ports, energy, information technology, water and sanitation and housing, he added.

Eskom sees lower risk of power cuts during winter

South Africa's state-owned power utility Eskom expects only 3 days of stage one power cuts, where up to 1 000 megawatts is taken off the national grid, during the winter period when demand increases, the chief executive officer said on Wednesday.

Eskom CEo Andre de Ruyter said it was a significant improvement from previous forecasts.

Cash-strapped Eskom has over the years regularly cut power to residents and businesses as it struggles with ageing coal-fired power plants that generate around 90 percent of the electricity in Africa's most industrialised economy.

Gauteng now has 3 167 cases, with 1 993 recoveries and 31 deaths

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Gauteng as of 27 May, was 3 167, with 1 993 recoveries and 31 deaths, the provincial health department said on Thursday.

Out of a total of 12 582 contacts traced, 9 889 people had completed the 14-day monitoring period with no symptoms reported and, therefore, they have been de-isolated, said department spokesperson Philani Mhlungu.

A total number of 118 people are currently hospitalised in public and private facilities in the province.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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