5 important things happening in South Africa today

Here’s what is happening in and affecting South Africa today:

• Eskom’s smart meter expansion: Eskom has expanded the rollout of smart meters that limit households’ electricity usage to Riverside View in Johannesburg after successfully implementing its pilot programme in Fourways. Eskom’s group executive for distribution, Monde Bala, said the rollout of smart meters to residential properties will continue apace in the coming months as part of Eskom’s demand-side management programme. [Daily Investor]

• Karpowership dealings: A court battle between power ship group Karpowership and its erstwhile BEE partners has exposed a confidential plan for the group to get a new BEE partner on board who could help it secure the necessary permits to move ahead with the energy supply deal worth R220 billion. The new BEE company is tied to a businesswoman in the energy field who reportedly also stands to benefit from a R14 billion government contract to build a gas terminal that would likely go on to supply gas to the ships should the permits be granted. The companies have denied any wrongdoing. [AmaBhungane]

• Transnet leadership crisis: The leadership crisis at state logistics company Transnet has deepened, with the head of the rail division, Siza Mzimela, tendering her resignation on Thursday, days after the abrupt departure of CEO Portia Derby and CFO Nonkululeko Dlamini last week. The exit of the trio from Transnet’s C-suite comes as the drive to reform the organisation gains momentum and as the board prepares to present a performance turnaround strategy to public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan at the end of October. [Business Day]

• Businesses not happy with City Power: Several businesses in the Johannesburg CBD are accusing City Power of skyrocketing meter readings as the entity continues with its operation to cut off non-payers. However, City Power said its readings are accurate, and those who have problems can follow the right process. The utility noted illegal electricity connections are on the rise, particularly in the business sector, with culprits diverting electricity using prepaid meters. In the Joburg inner City, the entity is owed a whopping R33 million. [eNCA]

• Markets: The South African rand fell to a four-month low on Thursday as analysts rued the weakness of the local currency and markets wait for direction from U.S. employment data on Friday. It reached a low of 19.6325 earlier in the day, its lowest since June. On Friday (6 September), the rand was trading at R19.54/$, R20.60/€, and R23.80/£. Brent crude is trading at $84.20 a barrel. [Reuters]