News 11:00

BULLETIN 19 March 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Department of Petroleum Resources warns that domestic fuel prices will increase amid the Middle East conflict
# Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala seeks a separate trial from his co-accused
# And soccer: The CAF president supports the Appeal Board’s ruling on the AFCON Final

# The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says sustained increases in international oil prices, coupled with exchange rate fluctuations, are expected to translate into higher domestic fuel prices in the months ahead. Escalating tension in the Middle East, along with pressure on key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, has pushed crude prices up. The department’s spokesperson, Lerato Ntsoko, says industry stakeholders are expected to ensure that pricing practices are fair, justifiable, and fully compliant with applicable competition and consumer protection laws:

Meanwhile, AfriForum is urging motorists to plan ahead amid reports of possible fuel shortages at some petrol stations. According to the organisation, disruptions linked to the conflict could affect supply chains, with some stations already reporting limited stocks, especially diesel. AfriForum’s Jacques Broodryk says this is not a national crisis, but shortages can cause inconvenience and safety risks:

# Tenderpreneur Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has asked the High Court in Johannesburg for an urgent and separate trial from his co-accused. Matlala and four others, including his wife, Tsakane, are facing charges including attempted murder, money laundering and defeating the administration of justice. The charges relate to three alleged assassination attempts, including on his former partner, Tebogo Thobejane. Matlala’s lawyer, Annelene van den Heever, says they will approach the head of court to fast-track the matter.

# Soccer: Confederation of African Football president, Patrice Motsepe, has backed the Appeal Board’s ruling on the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. The Appeal Board, an independent CAF judicial body, stripped Senegal of its Afcon trophy, due to the team’s walk off during the final in protest when hosts Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, with the result being recorded as 3-0 in favour of Morocco. Motsepe has urged respect for institutional decisions:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-99-cents and the euro at 19-rand-48-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-53-cents and Bitcoin trades at 70-thousand-550-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-766-dollars-83-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 109-dollars-50-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Former South African diplomat and senior United Nations official, Nicholas Haysom, has passed away in New York at the age of 73.  Affectionately known as “Fink”, he served as chief legal and Constitutional advisor to the late former president Nelson Mandela from 1994 to 1999. His last official role was as the UN Secretary-General’s special representative for South Sudan. UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has paid tribute to Haysom, describing him as a tireless peacemaker and steadfast champion of the values of the organisation.

Stay tuned for more news………….