It’s Monday, 1 June, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
There is fuel-price relief for diesel users as another June adjustment lands, with diesel set to drop by between R2.62 and R3.25 per litre and illuminating paraffin also falling sharply. But there is less joy for petrol drivers, with 93 and 95 petrol expected to increase by 1.43 cents per litre. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says higher Brent crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions pushed up costs, while lower international product prices and a slightly stronger rand helped cushion some of the blow.
Also today, Parliament’s Phala Phala impeachment committee is set for its first meeting, with 31 MPs appointed to the Section 89 body expected to elect a chairperson and chart the next steps. BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane warns the inquiry’s integrity could be undermined if an ANC member chairs the committee, while ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has pushed back. President Cyril Ramaphosa is still challenging the Phala Phala Independent Panel report in the Western Cape High Court.
In Joburg politics, the DA alleges that Johannesburg Property Company funds were used to improperly influence smaller parties in council and weaken Mpho Phalatse’s coalition government. DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille says video evidence points to municipal neglect and political manipulation, while former Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse says whistleblowers flagged suspicious dealings involving the JPC and a company allegedly tied to irregular transactions. Meanwhile, four senior police officials have been served with suspension notices over a multi-million rand Medicare24 police health management tender linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s company.
We’re also watching Corruption Watch’s 14th annual report, titled Ke Nako: Mobilising for Justice, which warns that corruption remains widespread across
South African society. In the courts, the family of Marius van der Merwe and the NPA have welcomed the decision to deny murder accused Matiphandile Sotheni bail, while former Emfuleni municipal official Janitha van Reenen has had her case postponed to 23 June in the alleged R16 million ghost fleet scandal. The Madlanga Commission has also resumed public hearings after a two-week recess to prepare its second interim report.
SPORT
Bafana Bafana have finally jetted off to the FIFA World Cup after a travel delay linked to visa issues for members of the team’s management. Their attention now turns to the demands of a World Cup stage, with Bafana legend Bernard Parker warning that the team will need real mental strength. At Roland Garros, the 2026 French Open has become the tournament of the underdog, with only six top-10 seeds left across the men’s and women’s draws and Aryna Sabalenka set for a blockbuster clash with Naomi Osaka.
And finally, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the 2026 Indian Premier League champions, defending their title with a five-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans. RCB fans can finally breathe again, which is basically a public-health service at this point.
That’s your News Bite for 1 June.
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