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

Making headlines: Ramaphosa addresses South Africa infrastructure roundtable; South Africa begins talks to regulate key minibus taxi industry; And, Ivory Coast president wins 94.27% of vote

Ramaphosa addresses South Africa infrastructure roundtable

President Cyril Ramaphosa is addressing an Infrastructure South Africa project preparation round-table and market place in Johannesburg, today, which aligns with one of the priorities Ramaphosa presented last month when he launched the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

The plan outlines an aggressive infrastructure programme, reforms to increase competitiveness and inclusiveness, relief for vulnerable households and individuals hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic and public investment in employment programmes.

The Presidency said 25 projects would be introduced to investors for project preparation funding at Tuesday’s round table. These projects have undergone intensive feasibility assessments and transaction advisory support to ensure they are investment ready.

South Africa begins talks to regulate key minibus taxi industry

South Africa’s government has begun talks to regulate the minibus taxi industry, a key economic sector that transports 40% of the population but whose reputation has been tarnished by lawlessness and a poor safety record.

The private industry employs 300 000 drivers and generates an estimated R90-billion in revenue every year. Taxis are often the only option for workers in low-income areas as the nation’s bus system is limited and dilapidated passenger trains are prone to lengthy delays.

Last week during a conference with taxi representatives and government officials, President Cyril Ramaphosa explained that given its financial size, formalizing the taxi industry was a vital step toward ensuring its contribution to the national tax revenue base.

He said the industry was faced with labour relations, allegations of exploitation of workers and compliance with tax laws.

And, Ivory Coast president wins 94.27% of vote

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has provisionally won a third term in office with 94.27% of the vote, the electoral commission announced early on Tuesday, after a bitter election that sparked deadly violence and was boycotted by opposition voters.

The final turnout for the October 31 election was at 53.90%.

The results have to be validated by the country's constitutional council which will declare the final winner after hearing any challenges or complaints of irregularities.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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