News 15:00

BULLETIN 31 March 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The petrol price will increase by over three-rand and the diesel price jumps to over seven-rand at midnight
# Government announces a three-rand per litre fuel levy cut to ease price shocks
# And soccer: Italy invests in grassroots reform while trying to avoid three straight World Cup misses

# Petrol and diesel prices are set to rise sharply from tomorrow, with 93-octane and 95-octane petrol both increasing by three-rand-six-cents per litre, while diesel prices will jump by more than seven-rand per litre. Illuminating paraffin will rise by eleven-rand-67-cents per litre, while LP gas prices will increase by one-rand-eight-cents per kilogram. Mineral and Petroleum Resources minister Gwede Mantashe says the hikes are driven by higher global oil prices, a weaker rand and the ongoing Middle Eastern tensions.

Meanwhile, Mantashe and minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, have announced a temporary fuel levy cut to ease rising fuel prices. The levy will be reduced by three-rand per litre from tomorrow to early May. Government says the intervention aims to ease pressure on transport and food costs while maintaining fiscal stability. Authorities have also assured the public that fuel supply remains sufficient, warning that local shortages are due to panic buying.

# The Western Cape Education Department warns that parents of 28-thousand current Grade seven learners have not yet applied for Grade eight placement next year. MEC David Maynier says the on-time admissions window closes on 14 April. Applications can be submitted online, at pop-up admissions sites, or at local district offices. Maynier urges parents not to wait and to apply before the deadline:

# Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services are continuing to fight a wildfire in the mountains above De Doorns which started late Saturday evening. The municipality’s spokesperson, Anesca Roodt, says while progress was made, the fire line remains, and teams are being deployed. Yesterday, the municipality’s Fire Services also contained a separate fire at Gouda. Roodt says fire services remain on high alert:

# Soccer: Italy’s governing body has launched a project to revive the game among the youth while the country will try to avoid missing a third straight World Cup in tonight’s playoff decider against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The four-time champions couldn’t qualify for the past two global showpieces. Their top clubs faired badly in Europe so far this season, while Italy’s other sports such as tennis, motorsport and even rugby are experiencing golden eras. The governing body is now pushing for grassroots reform and deeper involvement in youth soccer.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-11-cents and the euro at 19-rand-63-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-60-cents and Bitcoin trades at 66-thousand-674-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-580-dollars-36-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 106-dollars-52-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….