It’s Tuesday, 10 March 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
Madlanga Commission flags possible money laundering in Carrim, Matlala and Maumela dealings Businessman Suleiman Carrim continued giving evidence before the Madlanga Commission, where tensions flared after Commission Chair Mbuyiseli Madlanga took strong exception to arguments from Carrim’s legal team over a postponement application and the late submission of documents linked to payments involving Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s Medicare24 and Carrim’s company, Tameez.
Evidence before the commission has pointed to millions of rand exchanged between Carrim, Matlala and alleged Tembisa Hospital looter Hangwani Maumela.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the commission’s deadlines, with the second interim report now due by 29 May and the final report due on 31 August.
Trump vows Iran war will end very soon. The Middle East conflict continues to send shockwaves through global politics and markets. Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran will keep fighting as long as necessary and is doubling down on its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while US President Donald Trump says the war is ahead of schedule and may end soon, adding that he could still be willing to talk to Iran.
Jumping oil prices could mean interest-rate hikes. Markets appeared to respond quickly, with much of Monday’s crude oil surge reversing after Trump’s comments. But the bigger question is whether the damage to the global economy has already been done. If oil prices remain volatile, petrol could rise by R5 or more per litre in early April, while a weaker rand could add further pressure and lift inflation risks.
War in the Middle East and the economic impact around the world. Government, however, says South Africa’s oil reserves remain in a relatively stable position because the country has not relied on a single provider.
Middle East conflict: Ramaphosa calls for immediate ceasefire. At the same time, South Africans stranded in Kuwait are on their way home, with embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia helping 116 citizens return. President Cyril Ramaphosa, currently on a state visit to Brazil, has repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.
In Polokwane, police have arrested suspects including two brothers, a sangoma and a school principal in connection with a R10 million insurance fraud and murder scheme linked to former police sergeant Rachel Kutumela. She is accused of masterminding a plot in which vulnerable, disabled and mentally challenged people were allegedly killed so that life insurance and funeral policies could be claimed.
Sizekhaya vows to safeguard lottery funds. Sizekhaya Holdings says it is ready to take over the running of the National Lottery in June. The company has again denied allegations that it used political connections to secure the R180 billion contract and says it will protect lottery funds from abuse.
In other news…
Members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association are demanding the arrest of a Nyanga police officer they claim is linked to the murder of at least 16 executive members and the extortion of more than R13 million, after taxi services were temporarily suspended during protests.
- SA records 1.1% GDP growth in 2025 Q4
South Africa’s economy grew by 1.1 percent in 2025, up from 0.5 percent in 2024, though the figure remains far below the level needed to meaningfully shift unemployment and broader economic pressure.
SPORT
- Liverpool and Manchester City have been drawn to face each other in the FA Cup quarterfinals, while Arsenal travel to Southampton, Port Vale take on Chelsea, and Leeds United visit West Ham.
- Closer to home, the Nedbank Cup semi-final draw will see Durban City face Casric Stars, while TS Galaxy host Milford.
- In rugby, the Stormers are looking to end a three-match losing run in the United Rugby Championship when they face the Bulls this weekend.
- And in cricket, former Proteas coach Gary Kirsten has been appointed Sri Lanka head coach on a two-year deal, replacing Sanath Jayasuriya after Sri Lanka’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.
That’s your News Bite for Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.