News 13:00

BULLETIN 5 April 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Electricity costs overtake basic needs for poor households
# Soccer: A heroes’ welcome for the Iraqi team after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years
# And Ramaphosa joins the Easter pilgrimage at Moria

# Poor households are now spending more on electricity than on essentials like maize meal, highlighting deepening cost-of-living pressures. The shift comes amid rising food, fuel, and utility prices, placing increased strain on already vulnerable families. Analysts warn escalating electricity costs are forcing households to rethink their spending, often at the expense of basic needs, raising concerns about affordability and long-term economic hardship. 

Meanwhile, union federation Cosatu’s parliamentary coordinator, Matthew Parks, has condemned the increase in the vehicle cost threshold for ministers and MECs. He told SABC News the decision, quietly approved last year, is unjustifiable as government previously cited budget constraints affecting essential services. Parks argues the move reflects misplaced priorities, while citizens face cuts in healthcare, law enforcement and social support, adding this undermines public trust:

# The Johannesburg Metro Police has arrested 121 motorists for drunk driving during intensified Easter safety operations. Spokesperson Xolani Fihla says the figures reflect ignorance of driver behaviour. Two fatalities have also been recorded, involving a pedestrian and a passenger. Fihla calls on motorists to avoid drinking and driving, obey traffic laws, and fokus on safety as high-visibility operations continue throughout the Easter weekend:

# Soccer: Iraq’s national team received a heroes’ welcome back home after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. They beat Bolivia 2-1 in their final qualifier in Mexico following uncertainty over their ability to travel due to the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis. Last-minute arrangements ensured they could travel to Monterrey and ensure the 48th and final berth for the tournament in Northern America. Coach Graham Arnold says he banned social media so the players could only focus on the game.

# And finally: President Cyril Ramaphosa is today attending the annual Easter pilgrimage of the Zion Christian Church at its headquarters in Moria, Limpopo. The gathering draws thousands of worshippers from across the country for one of the largest religious events on the calendar. The visit forms part of Easter observances, with prayer and reflection. Ramaphosa calls on South Africans to observe ubuntu, empathy and tolerance in communities, and on the roads.

Stay tuned for more news………….