News 18:00

BULLETIN 4 September 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A cost-of-living report highlights pressure on household budgets
# Thousands are expected at the ZCC New Year Consecration Conference in Moria
# And, France gives farmers a 18.6-billion-rand aid package

# The Competition Commission’s latest cost-of-living report shows continued pressure on household budgets, particularly for low-income families. The report revealed that electricity prices have risen by 8.1-percent and water by 10.1-percent since July 2025. Petrol prices increased by 26-percent during the first half of this year, contributing to a 13-percent taxi fare increase. Higher fuel and transport costs have also pushed up prices of basic goods, including bread, maize meal, cooking oil, chicken and canned fish.

Meanwhile, online shopping now accounts for ten-percent of all retail sales in South Africa, with turnover expected to grow 22.5-percent to 159-billion-rand this year. Research company World Wide Worx says more consumers are shopping online more frequently, with convenience driving growth. Takealot remains the most-used platform, followed by Shein and Checkers Sixty60. The report also highlights rising interest in subscription services and alternative payment methods, while retailers focus on smoother checkouts and stronger customer loyalty.

# The Zion Christian Church’s annual New Year Consecration Conference is underway at its headquarters in Moria City, outside Polokwane in Limpopo. The gathering began yesterday and will run until Wednesday, with thousands of worshippers expected to attend. The church marks the start of its new year in September. ZCC spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe has urged visitors to exercise caution on the roads and remain vigilant against crime:

# France is providing more than 18.5-billion-rand to farmers hit by record heatwaves and drought this summer. The government says the package will help cover crop and livestock losses and support farms in restarting production. Around 9.7-billion-rand will be paid out urgently for weather-related damage, while another 4.4-billion-rand will help farmers buy seeds and animal feed. Further measures include tax relief, assistance with social-security payments and a fuel subsidy. France’s main farmers’ union estimates agricultural losses from the extreme weather will exceed 185-billion-rand.

# Rugby: Eighthman Harry Wilson returns to the Wallabies’ starting-15 to captain the team in tomorrow’s Test against Argentina in Mendoza. Allan Alaalatoa led Australia when they beat the Pumas 27-21 in San Salvador last Saturday, but is rested this weekend. Head coach Les Kiss made eight changes to his team, sticking to the rotation policy that worked out well for him since taking over from Joe Schmidt. Australia won their last four matches – Schmidt’s last and Kiss’ first three. That followed a losing streak of six Tests.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 15-rand-95-cents against the rand and the euro at 18-rand-53-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-55-cents and Bitcoin trades at 79-thousand-277-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-427-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 96-dollars-24-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….