**City’s Success in Combating Illegal Electricity Connections:**
The city’s proactive measures to eliminate illegal electricity connections in hotspot areas, including Mfuleni, have led to a significant decrease in power interruptions caused by overload from unauthorized connections. The establishment of the Energy Law Enforcement and Technical Unit underscores the city’s commitment to safeguarding electrical infrastructure. Recent operations have demonstrated success, with a notable reduction in illegal connections and removed cables.
**Cosatu Responds to Economic Decline:**
Cosatu expresses lack of surprise at the 0.2% decline in South Africa’s GDP for the third quarter, following growth in the first two quarters. The organization attributes the economic downturn to the energy crisis, emphasizing the need for addressing energy-related issues to revive economic growth.
**Concerns Raised Over Drinking Water Safety in South Africa:**
The Blue and No Drop Water Report raises serious concerns about the safety of drinking water in South Africa. Almost half of the country’s drinking water is deemed unsafe, with a noticeable decline in municipal drinking water systems’ performance since 2014. Factors contributing to the decline include deficiencies in managerial and technical skills, aging infrastructure, rapid housing developments, and inadequate understanding of water supply and demand management.
**Winery Worker Sentenced for Fatal Drunk Driving Incident in New Zealand:**
Samuel Richard Paterson, a winery worker in New Zealand, has been sentenced to home detention and had his license revoked after killing a cyclist while driving drunk after a nightshift. The victim’s family members expressed how Paterson’s “reckless” actions have forever altered their future in victim impact statements during the sentencing.
**Florida Panther Trespasser at Country Club:**
Deputies in Florida responded to a country club where a panther was found napping near a stairwell. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office successfully took the panther into custody, and after a veterinary examination, the panther will be returned to its natural habitat.