Stories from South Africa

South African Ministers of Finance and Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed the extension of a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy. The relief measures, originally introduced in April, will remain in effect until June 2. The National Treasury announced that diesel will attract no fuel levy during this period to mitigate global price spikes. This joint move aims to shield citizens from price increases. The decision follows the discovery of fake AI-generated sources within the policy's reference materials. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the move to cushion the economy against rising oil prices. The general fuel levy for petrol will remain at 110 cents per litre. The general fuel levy for diesel will decrease from 96 cents per litre to zero per litre during this period.

Police are investigating three cases of murder following a mob justice incident in Motherwell, Eastern Cape. Investigators found the burnt bodies of three men in the street. Initial findings suggest the victims were targeted due to suspicions of vandalizing and stealing property from a local school. The investigation is currently underway, according to the report.

Commodity resource stocks declined by more than 5 percent today. The drop was driven by weaker prices for gold, platinum, and palladium. Oil prices were the only commodity in the sector that did not move to the downside.

State advocate Anna Twenne submitted that Manla Amtina is receiving a large portion of proceeds from Gubis' contracts with the city of Tzwani. The submission noted that Amtina is the nephew of Mr. Sibanyoni.

Advocate Chaskolson reported that Karim Suleiman submitted a medical certificate indicating he is confined to bed and will not appear in court tomorrow. Suleiman was reportedly in the ICU two weeks ago. Additionally, Brahma Khortzi is seeking the recusal of Advocate Chaskolson as the lead evidence leader for his testimony. Lawyers for Karim Suleiman expect to file a substantive application regarding his inability to appear in court by the end of the day tomorrow. The report follows the Madlanger Commission proceedings.

Nigerian business owners in South Africa's Eastern Cape province are closing their businesses due to fears of violence.

Akane Zimbini won the men's 100 meter sprint at the Zimbini Classic with a time of 9.98 seconds. Chaswell Johnson finished second with a time of 10.07 seconds. Aaron Brown took third place in 10.14 seconds.

New members of the MKP took their seats today to begin discussions regarding the election of the Bureau. The process was conducted behind closed doors. Regional caucuses have already started lobbying for their respective candidates.

The Minister of Basic Education has written to the Finance Minister requesting a probe into alleged irregularities in the textbook procurement process for Foundation phase. Lighthouse Publishers was awarded a tender to provide textbooks for grades 1 to 3.

The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed the extension of a temporary fuel levy reduction. Diesel will attract no fuel levy during this period, according to the announcement. The government estimates the fiscal loss will be approximately $17 billion in revenue. Governments have officially extended a temporary reduction of the fuel levy to protect African citizens from a price increase expected next month. The announcement was reported by SAfm News. The extension follows previous temporary reductions to mitigate rising costs. The announcement was made by presenter Greg Chas. Petrol is expected to continue receiving a relief of three rand per liter. Analysts suggest an anticipated fuel price hike in May may still negatively impact the economy despite these relief measures.