South Africa's Gordhan on Covid Variant, SAA Sale

The transcript discusses the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant in South Africa, its potential global impact, and the uncertainty surrounding its transmissibility and vaccine resistance. It highlights the economic pressures on South Africa, government responses, and the restructuring of South African Airways and Eskom. The conversation also touches on the importance of vaccination and the challenges posed by the pandemic and climate change.

What is the main focus of the South African scientists regarding the new variant?

• Studying climate change

• Creating a travel ban

• Sequencing the genes of the virus

• Developing a new vaccine

Which countries have imposed travel bans due to the new variant?

• UK and Israel

• USA and Canada

• India and China

• Brazil and Argentina

What is a significant challenge in managing the pandemic according to the transcript?

• Lack of scientific research

• Vaccine divide

• Political instability

• Economic recession

What is one of the lessons learned from previous pandemic waves?

• Balancing lives and livelihoods

• The importance of lockdowns

• Increasing taxes

• Closing all borders

What is the current status of the South African Airways sale?

• It has been canceled

• It is moving in the right direction

• It is delayed indefinitely

• It is completed

What percentage of South African Airways will be privately owned?

• 49%

• 51%

• 75%

• 100%

What is the main financial challenge faced by Eskom?

• Lack of skilled workers

• High operational costs

• Corruption scandals

• Debt of 400 billion runs

What restructuring is Eskom undergoing?

• Merging with another company

• Separation of generation, transmission, and distribution

• Privatization

• Downsizing workforce

What is the government's stance on Eskom's CEO?

• He is on leave

• He is under investigation

• He has full backing

• He should resign

What is a key strategy to combat the new variant according to the transcript?

• Reducing international travel

• Developing new vaccines

• Increasing access to existing vaccines

• Implementing stricter lockdowns