Thursday, February 25, 2010.

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I'm Shannon de Ryhove.

Making headlines today:

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has approved a nominal Eskom power tariff increase of 24,8% as from April 1, 2010. Subsequent increases of 25,8% and 25,9% for 2011/12 and 2012/13 respectively have also been approved.

In November last year, South Africa's State-owned power utility Eskom applied for increases of 35% a year over the three-year second Multi Year Price Determination timeframe, having initially requested yearly increases of 45%, which it said were necessary to help it cover rising operational and capital costs.

The approval follows an extensive process of consultation and deliberation, during which Nersa received 427 comments on the proposed tariff hikes and listened to 85 oral presentations across all nine provinces.

Nersa chairperson Cecilia Khuzwayo

Former SA Express head Siza Mzimela will become the new CEO of South African Airways.

SAA chairperson Cheryl Carolus said in a statement that Mzimela was selected after "an extensive and thorough process to find a suitable candidate".

Mzimela is the first woman to be at the helm of SAA.

She has worked for the airline's domestic partner, SA Express, since 2003 and takes over from acting CEO, Chris Smyth.

Also making headlines:

Africa's Great Lakes region could produce up to 4 000 MW of clean energy.
Plans to boost the Democratic Republic of Congo's power exports by refurbishing the neglected Inga hydro dams will be delayed for three years.
South Africa is not affected by Hyundai's Sonata recall.
And, Nersa sets guidelines to prevent municipalities from milking the Eskom price hike.

That's a round up of news making headlines today. For more on these and other stories please visit engineeringnews.co.za.