Top news items in major S. African news outlets

The following are highlights of major South African media outlets on Wednesday.

-- Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane on Tuesday defended unexpected changes to the Mining Charter, saying the draft was released to provoke robust engagement between his department and the industry.

It had to pass the test of that engagement, Mr Zwane said in Parliament.(Business Day).

-- It was "distressing" that the budget for science and technology had remained the same this year, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said on Tuesday.

Even though the country was experiencing tough economic times, evidence had shown that an increase in investment in innovation would "reap greater benefits when the economic cycle turns again", she said. (City Press).

-- Electricity utility Eskom on Tuesday moved to clarify various allegations about bad governance, interference and mismanagement at the state-owned power utility.

This came as Eskom was under criticism about the alleged influence of the Gupta family - which is being investigated for alleged "state capture" by the ruling African National Congress - on lucrative Eskom coal-supply contracts, and the recent resignation of two board members last week. (Mail & Guardian). Endit