Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:
- While more South Africans now have access to water than in 1994, when looked at as a percentage of the population, fewer households have reliable access to water than before the dawn of democracy. This is an admission hidden in the Department of Water and Sanitation’s R900 billion master plan to resolve the country’s water crisis. The ANC campaigns on 95% of South Africans having access to water. The real figure is 87%. In terms of households, it’s only 65%. Access to water is the worst in the Eastern Cape (49%) and Limpopo (53% of households). [Mail & Guardian]
- South African assets could see a first quarter rally, but with Eskom’s load shedding and other economic pressures, it is not going to last, according to the Bank of America. The group sees SA’s economy expanding just 0.8% this year, more pessimistic projection than the central bank’s 1.2% forecast. They also foresee the government dragging its feet in making changes needed to spur the economy, with a lack of clear policy direction set to hurt sentiment among consumers, businesses and investors. [Bloomberg]