For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Shomolekae.

Making headlines: Dozens trapped in building collapse; Survey shows that youth despondency is rife ahead of vote; And, World Bank approves $138.5-million loan to Namibia

Dozens trapped in building collapse

Rescuers searched through the debris of a multi-storey building collapse in George early this morning that has left at least five people dead and dozens still trapped.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and called for an investigation.

Ramaphosa said investigations into the cause of the incident must aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster.

Twenty-six construction workers who were at the site of the unfinished building when it collapsed have been removed from the rubble, while 49 remained unaccounted for, the municipality of George, said in a statement.

A drone view of the site showed rescue workers removing debris in a bid to reach those still under the rubble.

Survey shows that youth despondency is rife ahead of vote

South Africa’s youth, a key voting constituency in this month’s elections, are less optimistic about the future of their country than their contemporaries in 15 other African nations, a survey shows.

Just 16% of more than 1 000 South African 18-to 24-year-olds who were canvassed in February said they felt optimistic or excited about their future, with the negativity of the rest premised on concerns about government corruption, unemployment and the presence of undocumented migrants, the survey released by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation showed.

The findings highlight the challenge the ruling African National Congress faces in retaining support 30 years after the end of apartheid. A number of opinion polls show the party risks losing its majority for the first time since it won power in 1994 as crime, a stagnating economy and a decline in services such as water and electricity provision drive voters to smaller rivals.

The sentiment in South Africa, which was worse than in places that are contending with rebel insurgencies and widespread insecurity such as Nigeria and Chad, has deteriorated since prior surveys were conducted, the foundation said.

And, World Bank approves $138.5-million loan to Namibia

The World Bank has approved a $138.5-million loan to help Namibia bolster its transmission network and integrate renewable energy projects into the grid.

One of Sub-Saharan Africa's driest countries with plenty of sunshine and wind, Namibia wants to position itself as a renewable energy hub in tandem with massive offshore oil and gas finds that have turned the country into a global exploration hotspot.

The loan will be used by national electricity utility NamPower as it seeks to wean itself off electricity imports from neighbouring countries, and will be Namibia's first World Bank financed energy project.

Besides new solar and wind projects, Namibia is also pursuing a $10-billion green hydrogen project that will export to the European Union once completed.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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