News 07:00

BULLETIN 29 April 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Godongwana says the extended fuel levy relief will cost 17.2-billion-rand
# The editor of the Sunday Times is placed on special leave after a Special Investigation Unit probe
# And athletics: South Africa dominates the inaugural Simbine Classic

# Finance minister Enoch Godongwana says the estimated cost of the temporary fuel levy relief from April to June 2026 is 17.2-billion-rand in foregone tax revenue. Government has extended the three-rand per litre reduction in the fuel levy for petrol and 3.93-rand per litre relief for diesel, will remain in effect until June. Godongwana says this is a strategic measure aimed at taming the anticipated higher inflation triggered by surging global oil prices:

# Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara has been placed on special leave after the Special Investigating Unit linked him to alleged misuse of lottery-related funding. The SIU says about 1.5-million-rand meant for a media development project was misappropriated and diverted into private use, including payments linked to a company registered in Sefara’s name. The newspaper’s owner, Arena Holdings, has launched an independent investigation, while Sefara denies any wrongdoing.

# North West businessman Brown Mogotsi has filed a complaint against the Madlanga commission’s chief evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, alleging misconduct and requesting his recusal from the inquiry. Mogotsi is set to continue his testimony on 15 May, the same day the recusal application will be heard. Chaskalson said the commission has not yet seen the formal application:

# South32 and Eskom are progressing discussions on a long-term electricity solution for the Hillside Aluminium Smelter in KwaZulu-Natal, expected to begin in 2031. A joint working group will explore renewable energy integration with firming capacity under existing regulations. Both parties say the plan aims to support industrial growth, job security, and decarbonisation goals. The initiative is expected to benefit the broader power system while securing Hillside’s future, which supports thousands of jobs and regional economic activity.

# The Zambian government has filed a reconsideration application in the Gauteng High Court. This is to challenge a court order which directed the return of former president Edgar Lungu’s remains to the Two Mountains mortuary in Pretoria. Last week, the Zambian government executed the August 2025 High Court judgment that entitled it to repatriate Lungu’s remains for a State funeral and burial. However, Lungu’s family was granted an urgent order for the body to be returned to the mortuary. The government argues that this order was granted in its absence.

# Athletics: South Africa won the 4×100-metre men’s and women’s relay at the inaugural Simbine Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting in Tshwane. Cameroonian Emmanuel Eseme crossed the finish line in 10.03-seconds to win the men’s 100-metres ahead of the USA’s Pjai Austin. Akani Simbine pulled up injured midway through the race and finished last. South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso won the women’s 1,500-metres while Tshepo Tshite took the men’s 3,000-metres. Kenya’s Noah Kibet won the men’s 800-metres. Simbine says the event was a success:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-55-cents and the euro at 19-rand-38-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-37-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-177-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-585-dollars-96-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 104-dollars-30-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news…