DNG, a losing bidder for state contracts to supply emergency power in South Africa, has leveled new claims of corruption against Karpowership, the winning bidder, and a government official.
DNG, based in South Africa, said in a supplementary affidavit filed on October 12 to court filings filed in April that businessmen who are now working with Turkey’s Karpowership approached the firm’s chief executive officer requesting a bribe.
They would ensure that DNG obtained a contract in exchange, according to Aldworth Mbalati, DNG’s CEO, who also indicated that he turned down their offer.
Due to DNG’s situation, as well as environmental concerns, the aim to get 2,000 megawatts of emergency power by August of next year is improbable.
The project’s financial close deadline, which had been set for July 31, has been pushed back until the end of January, and DNG’s case will be considered at the end of November.
Petrol predicted to increase
Fuel prices could rise significantly in November, according to mid-month data from the Central Oil Fund (CEF), as a result of the global energy crisis and a weaker rand.
According to CEF statistics up to 14 October, both fuel and diesel prices are under-recovering, implying a likely increase of 95 to 98 cents per litre for petrol and above R1.40 per litre for diesel.
The following are the mid-month changes:
Petrol 95 has gained 98 cents per litre, while Petrol 93 has gained 96 cents per litre.
Diesel 0.05 percent: R1.41 per litre increase; Diesel 0.005 percent: R1.42 cents per litre increase; Illuminating Paraffin: R1.42 per litre increase.
SA Olive Awards winners announced
The 2021 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards were celebrated on Friday, 15 October at the picturesque Drosberg, situated on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein mountains.
The partnership between Absa and SA Olive demonstrates Absa’s commitment to supporting South African agriculture and promoting the development of South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
It is a requirement of the Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards that the winning EVOOs be made by ten different producers. This reaffirms Absa’s intent to support the development of the South African olive oil industry by maximising exposure and opportunities for local EVOO producers.
The Absa Top 10 Olive Oil accolades were awarded to:
- Willow Creek: Willow Creek Directors Reserve EVOO
- Lions Creek: Lions Creek Karoo Blend EVOO
- De Rustica Olive Estate: De Rustica Estate Collection Frantoio
- Olive Boutique: Olive Boutique Frantoio
- Mardouw: XXV Intense
- Porterville Olives: Andante Intenso
- Serrado: Serrado EVOO
- Lapithos: LapithosFamily Reserve
- Rio Largo Estate: Rio Largo Premium
- Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate: Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate Blend
