Ferrochrome smelters braced for decision on hoped-for Eskom relief
Glencore has warned that in the absence of written confirmation of tariff relief measures for its ferrochrome smelters by tomorrow, retrenchment processes linked to its shuttered Boshoek and Wonderkop smelters will begin, affecting 1,500 workers. Glencore Alloys CEO Japie Fullard is quoted as saying: “I’ve put all my people through exits. I’ve approved all the voluntary separation packages, conditionally. I have nothing in writing currently. So, I must prepare myself for the worst-case scenario.”
No breakthrough in Iran-US talks as negotiations continue
Mediator Oman has said while there has been progress in talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme, hours of negotiation ended with no sign of a breakthrough. The two sides intended resuming negotiations – with technical discussions due in Vienna next week – after consultations in their capitals. Many analysts saw this week’s diplomacy as the last chance to dissuade US President Donald Trump from going to war. Washington’s massive military buildup in the region has strengthened speculation about the potential for US strikes.
Goliath appeals High Court ruling on McKenzie’s Venice Biennale decision
Lawyers for artist Gabrielle Goliath are to appeal a High Court ruling in favour of Arts Minister Gayton McKenzie’s cancellation of her representing South Africa at the Venice Biennale with an artwork called Elegy, which explores femicide and genocide, and incorporates a reference to Gaza. Her legal team is contesting the judgment’s implications for artists’ rights. The ruling by Judge Mamoloko Kubushi was handed down on 18 February, with her reasons being made public on 22 February, days after the deadline for Biennale entries.
Pakistan bombs Kabul as tensions escalate
Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said today Pakistan’s armed forces could “crush” aggressors and the nation stood “shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces” after news of the country’s bombing of Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul and two other provinces. This came hours after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops in the latest escalation of violence between the countries since last year’s Qatar-mediated ceasefire. At least three explosions were reported in Kabul this morning.
Green plumber wins party’s first Westminster by-election
Hannah Spencer has won the Green Party’s first Westminster by-election, becoming the first Green MP in northern England, with nearly 41% (14,980) of the votes cast, beating Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin (10,578), and Labour’s Angeliki Stogia (9,364). The 34-year-old plumber apologised to customers who had booked her, because “I’m heading to Parliament”. A spokesperson for the Conservative Party, which came fourth (706 votes), said: “In losing one of Labour’s safest seats, in a constituency that has returned Labour MPs for almost a century, [Prime Minister Keir] Starmer has shown he no longer commands the support of Labour voters and is now a lame-duck leader.”
Sources: BBC, Reuters, The Guardian, Daily Maverick, Al Jazeera