It’s 27 March 2026 and this is your News Bite; a fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
In today’s episode, South Africans are bracing for a steep fuel price hike from 1 April 2026 as the Middle East war continues to squeeze global energy markets. Current projections suggest petrol could climb by nearly R5 a litre, with diesel expected to rise even more sharply. The Fuel Retailers Association says there is no need to panic, insisting the country has enough fuel, while the Democratic Alliance is proposing cuts to the fuel levy and Road Accident Fund levy to soften the blow for consumers. The Reserve Bank is also watching the fallout closely, warning that a longer war could reshape expectations around interest rate relief this year.
As diplomacy and military pressure continue to unfold in the Middle East, questions are growing over Washington’s next move. US President Donald Trump says he would extend the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on energy infrastructure, while Tehran has rejected a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict. With thousands killed and the war spreading across the region, the economic consequences are becoming harder to ignore.
Back home, President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will make an announcement on national police commissioner Fannie Masemola soon, as legal and political pressure continues to build around the Medicare24 tender saga. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says Masemola has not been charged with corruption, but legal expert Ulrich Roux says there is currently no legal basis to suspend him before due process has unfolded.
Ramaphosa is also dismissing France’s decision to withdraw South Africa’s invitation to the G7 summit in Evian this June. The Presidency says it had received diplomatic information suggesting US pressure played a role, but the President himself has pushed back on that version, while both Washington and Paris have denied any attempt to block South Africa’s participation.
IN OTHER NEWS…
· Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has removed Corporate and Shared Services MMC Kholofelo Morodi, citing an inadequate response to issues raised before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
· Johannesburg is launching an aggressive disconnection drive to recover R1.4 billion in unpaid bills from government departments and entities, saying previous efforts to resolve the debt have failed.
SPORTS…
· Bafana Bafana head into their friendlies against Panama determined to sharpen up after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations, with captain Ronwen Williams saying the team is focused on finishing its World Cup preparation strongly. Panama, meanwhile, are expecting a serious test, with coach Thomas Christiansen saying the match-up made sense because of Ghana’s place in their World Cup group.
· Elsewhere, the Sharks are backing continuity ahead of their clash against Cardiff, with JP Pietersen retaining much of the side that demolished Munster last week.
That’s your News Bite for 27 March 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.