News 17:00

BULLETIN 6 February 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The I-E-C sets the election deposit requirements 
# Bad news for motorists on the fuel prices
# And Rugby: It’s official – Rassie is back as the Springbok head coach 

# The Independent Electoral Commission has announced the required election deposits for participating political parties and independent candidates in the upcoming elections. According to IEC CEO, Sy Mamabolo, participating political parties will need to deposit 50-thousand-rand for each provincial legislature they contest. Independent candidates, on the other hand, will be required to deposit 20-thousand-rand for each region they wish to contest. These deposits aim to ensure the commitment and seriousness of political parties and independent candidates in the electoral process:

Meanwhile, the Rivonia Circle expresses concern over the lack of trust among young people in political parties and the electoral system. The organisation’s Khanya Burns-Ncamashe expressed concern about the need for political parties to make greater efforts to convince the youth to participate in voting. In an interview with eNCA, Burns-Ncamashe emphasised the importance of addressing this issue as the country has an ageing voter base. She calls for more engagement with young voters to ensure a diverse and representative democracy:

# Petrol and diesel prices will increase from midnight. The follows steep price cuts in recent months. Unleaded petrol of both grades will rise by 75-cents a litre. The wholesale price of diesel will increase by between 70- and 73-cents. The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will be hiked by 53-cents a litre and the maximum retail price for LP gas is going up by 37-cents per kilo. South African fuel prices are largely determined by international oil costs and the rand exchange rate, as oil is priced in dollars.

# Rugby: Rassie Erasmus has officially returned to the role of Springbok head coach for the next four years. SA Rugby confirmed the coaching team, with former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery taking charge of defence, while former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown will focus on attack. They join Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids and Daan Human, as well as Andy Edwards as Head of Athletic Performance. Recently retired referee Jaco Peyper joins the team as national laws advisor. Springbok eighthman, Duane Vermeulen, has been appointed to a roving coaching role with all SA Rugby’s national teams.

# And finally: The City of Cape Town has announced significant road closures in the CBD in preparation for president Cyril Ramaphosa’s state of the nation address on Thursday evening. Closures will affect streets like Darling, Hanover, Longmarket, Corporation and Parade from six in the morning until midnight. These closures are aimed at facilitating traffic flow around City Hall, where the event will take place. Motorists are urged to familiarise themselves with the affected areas around the city bowl and plan alternative routes. Additionally, restricted parking is anticipated in specific zones.

Stay tuned for more news………….