News 13:00

BULLETIN 29 March 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa says South Africa should build internal strengths to withstand global forces
# The FF Plus says Tshwane’s unrealistic tariff hikes could see households shelling out up to R450 more per month
# And cricket, Proteas Women in nailbiting win against New Zealand in first ODI

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says while the government has no power to control global forces in the Middle East, which is driving up global oil prices, the country should focus on its domestic strengths. He was addressing an ANC event in Durban. Ramaphosa says rising fuel and oil prices will constrain the government’s fiscal space to fulfil its mandate to the country:

He said government will continue to support Palestine, Cuba and the Sudan as the conflicts continue in their countries. He was speaking during the ANC Mpumalanga elective conference in Mbombela. Ramaphosa says South Africa’s foreign policy is rooted in the principles of active non-alignment, the promotion of human rights, and the protection of national sovereignty, rather than succumbing to pressure from external powers:

# The Freedom Front Plus in Tshwane says the metro’s proposed 2026/27 draft budget could drive up residents’ monthly household expenses by an estimated 300-rand to 450-rand. The FF Plus spokesperson Grandi Theunissen says the proposed increases are 10.8-percent for water, 8.8-percent for electricity, 5-percent for sanitation, 5-percent for property rated and 4.1-percent for refuse removal:

# Motorsport: Mercedes teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, securing his second consecutive victory and taking the lead in the Drivers’ Championship for the first time. Despite a poor start, the 19-year-old Italian capitalised on a safety car period to reclaim the lead at Suzuka. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished second to claim his first podium of the season, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third. Antonelli’s team mate George Russell came fourth. Lando Norris finished in 5th place, while Lewis Hamilton ended in 6th place.

# Cricket: The Proteas Women secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI at Hagley Oval. Chasing 269, South Africa reached the target in the final over to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Ayabonga Khaka delivered a career-best performance with 6 for 56 to restrict the White Ferns. Annerie Dercksen hit 72 and Suné Luus on 53 anchored the chase, while Kayla Reyneke on 42 not out, hit the winning runs to earn Player of the Match.

# And finally, the City of Cape Town is encouraging soccer fans to make use of public transport services for the FIFA international friendly between Bafana Bafana and Panama game at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday. Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith says the city is rolling out a free MyCiTi shuttle service. The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:30.

Stay tuned for more news………….