It’s Wednesday, 11 March 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
South Africa’s crime fight has taken on a military edge, with SANDF soldiers deployed to parts of Johannesburg including Eldorado Park, Westbury and Riverlea. Armoured vehicles rolled into gang-hit communities as residents voiced long-standing frustration over weak policing and rising violence. The deployment follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to send troops into hotspot areas in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Former National Prosecuting Authority head Bulelani Ngcuka has resumed testimony at the Khampepe Commission, where he is facing questions over political interference in apartheid-era TRC cases. Ngcuka says both internal and external pressures weighed heavily on the NPA during his time in office.
In Washington, pressure is mounting on the Trump administration to clarify its shifting timeline for the war in Iran, as the United States and Israel intensify airstrikes. The conflict is now spilling into global economics, with oil concerns rising, airlines feeling the squeeze, and FlySafair announcing a fuel surcharge on all flights from 12 March.
The new US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Bozell, is facing fierce backlash after remarks suggesting the country’s business environment should roll back to the pre-transformation era. The EFF says neither Bozell nor the Trump administration can dictate South Africa’s domestic or foreign policy, and has called for his removal.
IN OTHER NEWS
- Commuters have meanwhile been assured Gautrain services will continue, despite delays in appointing a new private operator. Bombela Operating Company has been handed a six-month extension while the handover process to the Gauteng government is sorted out.
- G7 leaders are expected to meet by video link to discuss the economic consequences of the Middle East war, with emergency oil reserves now part of the conversation.
- International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola is expected to brief the media on current geopolitical developments.
- As billionaires worldwide push their combined fortunes to a record $20.1 trillion, Elon Musk’s climb toward the trillionaire milestone is starting to look less like fantasy and more like a live countdown. Elon Musk is edging closer to becoming the world’s first trillionaire, with his net worth currently estimated to be in the region of $839 billion.
SPORT
- Liverpool slipped to a 1-nil defeat at Galatasaray in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, while Bayern thrashed Atalanta, Barcelona were held by Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid hammered Tottenham. Tonight, Paris Saint-Germain host Chelsea, Real Madrid take on Manchester City, and Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen.
- Closer to home, Mamelodi Sundowns are back on top of the Betway Premiership after beating Orbit College 2-1.
That is your News Bite for 11 March 2026.
For updates on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch us on DStv Channel 403.