A body was retrieved and at least three survivors were pulled out on Monday night as rescue workers raced against the clock to dig up victims at the site in the affluent neighbourhood of Ikoyi, where many blocks of flats are under construction.
Workers told Reuters that possibly 100 people were at work when the building came crashing down.
Rescue workers used excavators to dig through rubble using generator-powered flood lights. The retrieved body was put in a waiting van while at least three people who were rescued were taken to nearby ambulances.
Building collapses are frequent in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, where regulations are poorly enforced and construction materials often substandard.
There were heaps of rubble and twisted metal where the building once stood, as several workers looked on. One man wailed, saying his relative was among those trapped.
The Lagos state government said the building had 22 floors and authorities were assessing whether there had been any damage to nearby buildings.
The collapsed building was part of three towers being built by private developer Fourscore Homes. In a brochure for potential clients, the company promises to offer “a stress-free lifestyle, complete with a hotel flair”. The cheapest unit was selling for $1.2 million.
Calls to the numbers listed for Fourscore Homes and the main building contractor did not ring through.
The IEC has declared results in 20 voting districts in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga by 3am on Tuesday 2 November, just more than six hours after voting stations closed countrywide for the 2021 Local Government Elections. The first seats from the districts have been allocated to the ANC (6), the DA (3), the FF+ (1) and ICOSA (1).
After the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) tallies all the votes cast in the 2021 Local Government Elections, the seat allocation takes place. The municipal elections in SA use a mixed system to allocate seats.
MIXED SYSTEM IN LOCAL ELECTIONS
The Electoral System for Local Government uses a mixed electoral system – half the seats in metro and local councils are allocated according to proportional representation (PR) combined with ward representation, or first-past-the-post, in terms of Section 157(2) of the Constitution.
The PR system protects the interests of smaller parties and their constituents because every vote counts. Even parties with a tiny share of the vote will receive a seat.
HOW SEATS ARE CALCULATED IN METRO AND LOCAL COUNCILS
Schedule 1 of the Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998 determines the number of seats available, according to the IEC. The City of Johannesburg, for example, has 270 seats, while the City of Tshwane has 214 seats.
The total seats for a municipality are divided equally (50/50) between the ward and PR. For example, if there are 21 seats available on the council, 10 would be PR councillors and 11 would be Ward councillors (ward councillors are rounded up if they are a fraction).
Screenshot from LGE 2021 Municipal Elections Electoral System
WARD ELECTIONS
Your local ward councillor is simply the person who wins the most votes on the ward ballot – first-past-the-post. Parties and independent candidates are allocated ward seats according to how many votes they receive.
In this example, there were 11 ward candidates (7 from political parties and 4 independents).
Party A: 1
Party B: 2
Party C: 2
Party D: 1
Party E: 1
Determining the makeup of the local and metro council’s is rather more complicated.
PR ELECTIONS
Next, the total overall seats for each party in the municipality (excluding the seats won by independents) must be determined.
According to the IEC, a quota must be calculated by dividing the number of valid votes cast for all parties (ward and PR) by the total number of seats (ward and PR – 11 and 10 in this case) minus the seats won by independent candidates.
“The result, plus one, is the quota,” according to the IEC.
For example: 35 000 (total votes for parties) / 21 (total seats) – 4 (seats won by independents) + 1 is 35 000 / 17 = 2, 059 (QUOTA)
Calculating total party seats
In this example, when the 4 independent seats are removed it means that 17 seats are up for grabs for political parties.
To determine the first allocation of seats for each party, the total valid votes (ward and PR) received by that party must be divided by the quota.
For the first allocation, the fraction/decimal is ignored. So, 5,65 would just be 5 seats. The fraction is used to determine which party receives the leftover seats if there are any. The first and second allocation is used to determine the party’s final total seat allocation.
For example
Party
1st allocation
Remainder
Rank
2nd allocation
Final allocation
A: 5300 / 2,059 = 2,57
2
0,57
3
1
2 + 1 = 3
B: 7700 / 2,059 = 3,74
3
0,74
2
1
3 + 1 = 4
C: 8900 / 2,059 = 4,32
4
0,32
0
4 + 0 = 4
D: 8100 / 2,059 = 3,93
3
0,93
1
1
3 + 1 = 4
E: 5000 / 2,059 = 2,43
2
0,43
0
2 + 0 = 4
PR LIST SEATS
To determine the number of proportional list seats allocated to a party minus the total number of ward seats won by a party from the total seats won by a party.
For example:
Party A: 3 (total party seats) – 1 (ward seat) = 2
Party B: 4 – 2 = 2
When the calculations are done the PR seats available to all parties will add up to 50 percent of the total seats available in the local council or metro (as explained earlier).
The final makeup of the example local/metro council
In most cases, the metropolitan council picks the mayor. The party with the most seats has the most voting power.
Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and Rebecca Marino won the deciding doubles rubber to help stun defending champions France 2-1 on the opening day of the new-look Billie Jean King Cup finals on Monday.
Formerly called the Fed Cup, the event was renamed last year in honour of American 12-time major winner King and restructured into a ‘World Cup of tennis’ format concluding with 12 nations competing over one week for the title.
Canada were the last of 12 teams to make the cut, replacing previous hosts Hungary in the draw due to their status as the highest-ranked side to win a playoff tie in April this year.
It was the fifth meeting between the French and Canadians – the first in 28 years – with the holders heading into the Centre Court contest at the O2 arena with a 3-1 head-to-head advantage.
At the start France’s Fiona Ferro, who reached a career-high ranking of 39 earlier this year, clearly looked the superior player in her first meeting against the 353rd-ranked Francoise Abanda, quickly going up by a set and a break.
But Abanda dug deep to take down Ferro 4-6 6-4 6-4 for her fifth consecutive win in the competition.
Alize Cornet, the highest ranked French singles player at 59th, managed to stave off the big-hitting Marino 6-4 7-6(5) to level the tie at 1-1.
But Marino soon had her revenge as she returned alongside Dabrowski, the world number five in doubles, to beat Cornet and Clara Burel 6-3 7-6(6) in the deciding rubber.
With the Russian Tennis Federation, whose entire squad is ranked in the top 50, the third Group A team, France will face an uphill task to make it to the semi-finals.
The sides play two group-stage ties to determine the winners of the four three-team groups, who progress to the semi-finals.
NOISY FANS
In Belgium’s Group B tie against Belarus, Greet Minnen and Elise Mertens won their singles rubbers to seal the tie in the presence of a sizeable number of Belgian fans, who came with drums, trumpets and other musical instruments on Court One.
Minnen celebrated her debut in the competition with a commanding show, the 24-year-old handing Belgium the first point with a 6-2 6-2 win over the 263rd-ranked Iryna Shymanovich.
World number 18 Mertens staved off a spirited fightback from Aliaksandra Sasnovich for a 6-2 4-6 6-2 win and sealed the tie against the Belarusians, who are missing world number two Aryna Sabalenka and multiple major winner Victoria Azarenka in Prague.
Mertens, winner of three major doubles titles, and Kirsten Flipkens could not make it 3-0 for Belgium in the doubles rubber, however, going down 6-4 6-3 to Sasnovich and Vera Lapko.
Australia are the third team in Group B.
In the evening session, hosts Czech Republic, who have won the title six times since 2011, begin their campaign against Group D rivals Germany while Spain meet Slovakia in Group C.
Was it worth staying up for? It depends on which party you support. The IEC has released its first batch of results for the 2021 Elections, giving us some early insight into how this vote is going to play out.
Latest results from the 2021 Local Elections – first batch
Of course, these are VERY early days here – and the reported low voter turnout on Monday means that the first reported results won’t perfectly reflect the mood of the nation. But it does give us some early indicators.
Several technical issues have been reported at voting booths across South Africa. Some venues ran out of ballot papers, whereas others were delayed from opening by protests. However, a majority of locations were able to operate smoothly – and despite the projected voter turnout, plenty of long queues have been witnessed in some spots.
LOOK: Election Map shows where the votes are going
The first set of results took data from 17 voting districts. That’s less than 1% of all districts in South Africa, but we do have some early patterns emerging…
Photo: IEC Dashboard
2021 Elections: Early results trickle in
The ANC has opened up a very early lead, but still remains below 50% of all votes cast. The FF Plus, EFF, and UDM have also mopped up a few of those fascinating first few votes. In Free State, the ANC hold an early lead over the FF Plus – with the latter showing they can be a potential thorn in the side for the DA at this election.
The DA made early inroads in both the Northern and Western Capes, and the Eastern Cape is already heavily leaning towards an ANC landslide. As of 00:15 on Tuesday 2 November, the EFF had 3.54% of the vote nationwide.
Is ActionSA having an impact in Johannburg?
Details have also started to drip through from Johannesburg, and the contest in the metro promises to be a wide-open one. Early indications show that ANC support is set to dip, and Herman Mashaba’s ActionSA are hoovering up the votes. Both the DA and EFF lost backing at the Pennyville Creche voting station, amid a very low voter turnout:
I have received a first result from Joburg!
Pennyville Creche
2021
Turnout ~18% (!!)
ANC 45% (-22) (!!!)
EFF 19% (-1)
ActionSA 19% (+19)
DA 3% (-4)
2019:
ANC 63%
EFF 27%
DA 7%
2016
ANC 67%
EFF 20%
DA 7%
First sign that @ActionSA is potentially taking A LOT from the ANC.
Weather forecast data provided by the South African Weather Service. For a detailed forecast of your province, click here.
Severe Weather Alerts
IMPACT-BASED WARNINGS:
Nil.
FIRE DANGER WARNINGS:
Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in places over Limpopo, in Dr Moroka, Thembisile Hani, Emalahleni, Steve Tshwete, and Lekwa Local Municipalities of Mpumalanga, as well as the Moses Kotane Local Municipality in the North-West Province.
ADVISORIES:
Extremely hot temperatures are expected in the Mpumalanga Lowveld, as well as the Western Bushveld, Limpopo Valley and Limpopo Lowveld.
Temperature and UBV forecast
Gauteng:
Temperature: Fine and warm but hot in the north..
The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Extreme.
Mpumalanga:
Temperature: Fine and warm to hot but very hot to extremely hot in the Lowveld. It will become partly cloudy in the east with isolated afternoon thundershowers.
Limpopo:
Temperature: Fine and hot to very hot, but extreme hot in places in the Lowveld. It will become partly cloudy in the east with isolated afternoon thundershowers
North-West Province:
Temperature: Fine and warm but hot in the far east.
Free State:
Temperature: Fine and warm but cool in the south-west.
Northern Cape:
Temperature: Partly cloudy in the south-western parts at first, otherwise fine and warm but cool in the west.
Wind: The wind along the coast will be light south-easterly, becoming fresh to strong in the afternoon.
Western Cape:
Temperature: Cloudy to partly cloudy and cool becoming fine over the eastern and central parts, where it will be warm in places.
Wind: The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh westerly to north-westerly, becoming south-westerly along the south coast from the late morning.
The expected UVB Sunburn Index: High.
Eastern Cape:
The Western half–Temperature: Fine and cool, but partly cloudy in the south with early morning showers along the coast.
The Western half – Wind: The wind along the coast will be moderate south-westerly, becoming light south-easterly to easterly at night.
The Eastern half–Temperature: Morning and evening fog along the escarpment, otherwise partly cloudy and cool, but cloudy with light rain south of the escarpment.
The Eastern half–Wind: The wind along the coast will be moderate south-westerly, becoming light south easterly at night.
Kwazulu-Natal:
Temperature: Morning fog over the interior, otherwise cloudy and cold to cool, but warm in the north. Isolated showers and rain expected in the east.
Wind: The wind along the coast will be fresh to strong south-westerly.
You give but a little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of your heart that you truly give. — Kahlil Gibran
TODAY’S WISDOM FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
Who punishes one threatens a hundred. — French Proverb
TODAY’S CHINESE PROVERB:
You can outdistance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you.
FOR THOSE OF US BORN ON THIS DAY:
Happy Birthday! The months ahead could start with an unusual burst of common sense, which will enable you to deal with any practical matters. The influence of Saturn will remain positive, enabling you to shine out at work or school, and you may even find yourself becoming quite ambitious for success. However, by the summer you’re likely to lose your focus a little. Romance looks as though it will put you through your paces, and there is a suggestion that your indecisiveness will slow things down!
k.d. lang, Stefanie Powers, Keith Emerson, David Schwimmer, Nelly, Paul Ford, Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, Burt Lancaster, Pat Buchanan
CELEBRITY GOSSIP:
Ben Affleck has been having a difficult few weeks and the movement of Saturn tell us that it is about to get a whole lot worse. Expect more revelations and awkward interviews in the coming days for Ben!
ARIES DAILY HOROSCOPE | Mar 21 – Apr 19
The day brings a more dynamic undercurrent, thanks to the fiery vibe. However; do take care, since a desire to impress could have you skipping crucial stages when it comes to a personal matter. Additionally: you may well need to avoid making commitments that could lead to anxiety in a few days’ time!
Today’s Numbers: 1, 4, 17, 21, 35, 42
TAURUS DAILY HOROSCOPE | Apr 20 – May 20
Despite the improving vibe, you may miss some advantageous news. Do pay attention to what is being said: incoming information may be patchy and therefore subject to misinterpretation. Avoid looking for microscopic flaws when zoning in on a lingering matter!
Today’s Numbers: 3, 7, 15, 24, 39, 46
GEMINI DAILY HOROSCOPE | May 21 – Jun 20
If you have been feeling a little over-stretched by circumstances, then today should see certain pressures ease, but only temporarily. Use this wisely and bear in mind its short shelf-life to address immediate and short-term issues. As an aside; there’s a possible green light courtesy of incoming news!
Today’s Numbers: 5, 11, 20, 29, 33, 47
CANCER DAILY HOROSCOPE | Jun 21 – Jul 22
There’s a fairly impulsive feel about the day. However; tapping into this may not be as easy as it sounds. When it comes to work/career matters, you may need to be gently persistent with others if you wish to see visible results by the end of the day. The key word is ‘gently’!
Today’s Numbers: 6, 13, 24, 39, 41, 46
LEO DAILY HOROSCOPE | Jul 23 – Aug 22
The fiery vibe could give way to a decision to take on too much. You could actually set yourself up for failure. Aim for realistic targets and whatever you do, don’t expect to achieve everything to perfection. It may be an idea to plan ahead in order to neutralize the rather judgmental undercurrent!
Today’s Numbers: 7, 14, 22, 26, 32, 48
VIRGO DAILY HOROSCOPE | Aug 23 – Sep 22
A mixed day may well be in store. An enthusiastic attitude will be appreciated, and will strike the right note with many. However, perhaps this won’t be easy to sustain, because it’s possible that you’ll feel disenchanted with what may be a very minor matter. That said; there may be a second chance to address this later in the week!
Today’s Numbers: 1, 8, 16, 24, 37, 43
LIBRA DAILY HOROSCOPE | Sep 23 – Oct 22
Although the vibe is likely to feel highly liberating, take care. A subtle but useful undercurrent is likely to flag up a need for a little self-awareness, particularly when it comes to your platonic relationships. In addition; be careful what claims you make, because it’s likely that you may miss something!
Today’s Numbers:2, 19, 21, 30, 36, 42
SCORPIO DAILY HOROSCOPE | Oct 23 – Nov 21
It’s an odd day. A little competition is not a bad thing, unless it becomes the sole focus. If you realize that you’re slipping into competitive-mode over things that you would normally shrug off, then it may be a good idea to identify the root cause of this. The feeling that you have something to prove could be a misleading one!
Today’s Numbers: 7, 15, 18, 22, 37, 43
SAGITTARIUS DAILY HOROSCOPE | Nov 22 – Dec 21
The fiery moon will supply a boost on two fronts: there’ll be a surge of confidence and a surge of creative thinking. Use this combination for the good. It’ll be possible to think outside the box. All that said; there is a downside, and that is a slight tendency to coast!
Today’s Numbers: 5, 11, 20, 24, 33, 47
CAPRICORN DAILY HOROSCOPE | Dec 22 – Jan 19
A marginally more impulsive approach is likely to make short work of the more mundane tasks, while a little spontaneity on your part might pave the way to a couple of one-off opportunities. However, the stress of taking a minor risk could outweigh the sense of achievement!
Today’s Numbers: 6, 14, 21, 28, 35, 43
AQUARIUS DAILY HOROSCOPE | Jan 20 – Feb 18
The fiery vibe may well open up the communication lines. If you can resist a slight restlessness for long enough to read the signs, you could learn something interesting when it comes to the personal front. However, there may be something to appreciate when it comes to the recent past too!
Today’s Numbers: 7, 12, 24, 27, 33, 48
PISCES DAILY HOROSCOPE | Feb 19 – Mar 20
Fresh planetary accents are likely to highlight potential problems or glitches when it comes to the material or practical front, but you may need to factor in a distinct lack of concentration or a dip in your focus. It’s possible that you’ll fail to notice something that would normally be so obvious!
