It’s Friday, 06 March 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
The Western Cape High Court has ruled that a finance minister cannot change the VAT rate without Parliament, declaring parts of the Value Added Tax Act unconstitutional and invalid, and giving lawmakers 24 months to fix the legislation.
In Johannesburg, more rain is expected this weekend as the weather service issues a thunderstorm warning, with the city’s Emergency Management Services urging residents in low lying areas to avoid crossing rivers or streams and to keep a close eye on young children.
North West businessman Suleiman Carrim wants to testify behind closed doors at the Madlanga Commission, where he is due to appear on Monday, after his legal team said he has received death threats amid claims tied to a R360 million SAPS contract.
It’s nearly a week since the US Israel attack on Iran triggered retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. The World Health Organisation warns the war is disrupting health services and humanitarian supply routes, with reports of attacks on medical facilities in Iran and Lebanon.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has acknowledged the US military is investigating the bombing of an Iranian girls’ school in which at least 168 people were killed, after Reuters reported it is possible US forces were responsible.
US President Donald Trump has also said he must have a role in choosing Iran’s next leader.
In another Washington shake up, Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, after scrutiny in Congress over her use of a federally funded jet and questions around a major advertising contract.
Back home, the Democratic Alliance says it will not remove its Johannesburg billboard targeting Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, after the ANC threatened legal action over the AI generated image used in the campaign.
IN OTHER NEWS
· Cape Town police are investigating after taxis were torched at the Nyanga taxi rank in the early hours of Friday morning, with five vehicles destroyed.
· The corruption case against Judge Portia Phahlane and International Pentecostal Holiness Church leader Michael Sandlana has been postponed to 23 July for further investigation, linked to allegations of bribes in the IPHC succession battle.
SPORT
· Bok hooker Malcolm Marx has been named SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, and World Rugby’s Men’s 15s Player of the Year, while Nadine Roos was named SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for a second successive season.
· Tottenham are in danger of relegation after a 3 to 1 loss to Crystal Palace, leaving Spurs one point above the drop zone.
· The Formula 1 season is underway in Australia, with Oscar Piastri setting the quickest time in second practice as drivers adjust to sweeping engine changes.
That’s your News Bite for 06 March 2026.
For developments on these and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.