News 18:00

BULLETIN 29 April 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Commissioner Puleng Dimpane pledges a clean-up in the SAPS amid allegations of corruption and fraud in the system
# Economist, Sifiso Skenjana, calls for reform of fuel pricing system amid oil price volatility
# And, Soccer: Kaizer Chiefs co-coach, Khalil Ben Youssef, is confident Kaizer Chiefs players could be considered for Bafana squad

# Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has pledged a major cleanup of the police service, promising to tackle corruption, improve discipline, and restore public trust. The announcement follows growing public concern over crime and policing efficiency, with renewed focus on internal reforms nationwide. Speaking after taking office, Dimpane said officers who break the law will be held accountable and that performance standards will be tightened. She also committed to strengthening community policing and improving response times.

# Union federation Cosatu says government’s extended fuel levy relief for May and June is a positive step forward. This is to cushion consumers from the international oil price spike and the fiscal pressures facing the country. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says more relief may be needed if the Middle East conflict continues. He says they fear that workers, society and the economy will not cope with the planned reduction in fuel levy relief by half in June:

Meanwhile development economist from ESG Analytics, Sifiso Skenjana is calling for urgent reform of the South African fuel price structure, warning that the current system places a heavy burden on consumers. He says taxes, levies, and distribution costs make up a large share of fuel prices, worsening the impact of global oil volatility. He argues that temporary relief measures are not enough and long-term structural changes are needed to stabilise prices, protect households, and improve transparency in how fuel costs are determined.

# Water and Sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina says the new reservoir and tower developments in Brixton, Johannesburg, will strengthen water security. Key facilities like Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital and Helen Joseph Hospital, the SABC and the University of Johannesburg are expected to benefit. The minister says South Africa has sufficient water resources, but ageing infrastructure, illegal connections, and non-payment remain major challenges affecting reliable service delivery across municipalities:

# Soccer: Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef says several players from the club deserve inclusion in Bafana Bafana squad. His comments come as recent squads have featured no Chiefs players. Youssef believes at least four Chiefs players have earned selection based on strong performances, highlighting their consistency and teamwork. He says Brendon Petersen, Bradley Cross, Lebo Maboe and Thabiso Monyane have what it takes, and insists form should be rewarded.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-73-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-55-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-55-cents and Bitcoin trades at 76-thousand-646-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-524-dollars-24-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 108-dollars-78-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….