News 08:00

BULLETIN 1 May 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Electoral Commission says the election date provides clarity and certainty for planning ahead of municipal polls
# The City of Cape Town loses the tariff battle in a landmark ruling
# And, Iran threatens a painful response if the US resumes attacks, while oil prices seesaw

# The Electoral Commission welcomes the announcement that the local government elections will be held on 4 November, as it provides clarity for election planning. It encourages all eligible voters to ensure they are registered in the correct voting districts, as voters may only vote where they are registered. The commission’s David Mandaha urges citizens to register or update their details online or during the national voter registration weekend on 20 and 21 June:

# The High Court in the Western Cape has ruled that the City of Cape Town’s fixed tariff charges in its 2025/2026 budget are unlawful and invalid. The court set aside charges for citywide cleaning, water, and sewerage, with the decision taking effect from 30 June, and ordered the city to pay legal costs. The case was brought by the South African Property Owners’ Association and AfriForum, who argued that the tariff system was unconstitutional and improperly linked to property values.

# The National Prosecuting Authority says the trial of Willah Mudolo and five co-accused will begin on 4 May 2026 in the Pretoria High Court. The group faces charges including racketeering, fraud and money laundering linked to a case involving the self-proclaimed prophet and businessman Shepherd Bushiri. The court dismissed attempts to block prosecution and criticised delays. The NPA has condemned the use of deliberately delay, saying it undermines justice but insists it remains committed to a fair and timely trial.

# Nursing organisation Denosa says its members will join union federation Cosatu’s Workers’ Day commemorations to highlight poor working conditions in the public healthcare sector. The organisation is also calling for the implementation of National Health Insurance to improve access to quality healthcare. Denosa’s Sibongiseni Delihlazo has raised concerns about rising medical aid costs for public servants, as well as ongoing challenges in the sector that are affecting workers and service delivery:

# Iran said on Thursday it would respond with long and painful strikes on US positions if Washington renewed attacks. It also reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz and complicated American plans for a coalition ‌to reopen the waterway. Two months into the US-Israeli war with Iran, efforts to resolve the conflict have hit an impasse. According to Reuters President Donald Trump was set to be briefed yesterday about a series of fresh military strikes on Iran. The news spurred big gains in oil prices, with Brent crude hitting ⁠more than 126-dollar a barrel at one point.

# And finally rugby: The Junior Springboks face Australia in Sunday’s second round of the Under-20 Rugby Championship, being played in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. The other match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will see the Baby Blacks take on Argentina’s juniors. South Africa annihilated the young Pumas in the first round, running out victors 48-21, while New Zealand rallied from behind to beat the young Wallabies 34-29. The Baby Blacks won both previous tournaments.

Stay tuned for more news………….