News 11:00

BULLETIN 28 March 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The head of the MK Party’s Presidency has resigned
# The Fuel price surge threatens the rescue readiness of the NSRI
# And Rugby: The Sharks manage a narrow win over Cardiff in their United Rugby Championship clash

# A senior MK Party member, Magasela Mzobe, has resigned as the party’s head of the Presidency. While Mzobe officially cited a desire to focus on his football club, Newcastle All-Star internal reports suggest his departure may be linked to a fallout with MK Party leader Jacob Zuma or a broader purge of the upper ranks. He joined the MK Party in June 2024 after he left the EFF. Mzobe is a former ANC Youth League leader and served under Zuma’s leadership when he was ANC president.

# The Competition Commission of South Africa says the war in the Middle East has caused global oil prices to surge beyond 100-dollar per barrel. Spokesperson Siyabulela Makunga says there is a distinct risk that unscrupulous businesses will exploit the sudden surge and uncertainty in fuel prices by engaging in price gouging, such as increasing prices beyond what is warranted by the fuel cost increases:

Meanwhile, the National Sea Rescue Institute says rising global fuel prices are putting pressure on its rescue operations. While the organisation says emergency responses will continue, it warns that higher fuel costs could strain its ability to maintain lifesaving services. It’s cutting fuel use and prioritising critical operations to manage the impact. The institute’s Andrew Ingram says the increases, driven by tensions in the Middle East, will raise operational costs:

# The Energy Council of South Africa supports creating an independent State-owned Transmission System Operator, however urges a phased transition to reduce risks in Eskom’s unbundling. The council welcomed president Cyril Ramaphosa’s task team to develop a roadmap. It also called for an independent market operator, fair grid access, and financial stability at Eskom. Experts warn that delays and a lack of clear timelines could undermine investment, competition, and energy security.

# Rugby: The Sharks kept their top-eight playoff hopes alive when they narrowly beat Cardiff 21-15 in their United Rugby Championships encounter in Durban last night. Despite dominating possession, the hosts struggled with Durban’s high humidity, resulting in a scrappy performance. Phepsi Buthelezi crossed twice for the home team, with Yaw Penxe adding a third try to secure the win. In other matches today, the Bulls take on Munster at Loftus at 2 pm, the Lions clash with the Dragons in Johannesburg at 4.30 and the Stormers meet Edinburgh in Cape Town at 7 pm.

# And finally: The Western Cape Education Department has urged communities to help safeguard schools that closed yesterday, ahead of the Easter holiday. Education MEC David Maynier says while security has been deployed at 443 schools, public vigilance remains key. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the police. He warns that vandalism and theft divert resources from education, stressing that protecting schools is a shared responsibility:

Stay tuned for more news………….