South Africa faces significant fuel price hike with far-reaching economic implications
via The Citizen17 min read
South African motorists and businesses are preparing for a substantial fuel price increase effective Wednesday, May 6, as announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Diesel prices are set to exceed R35 per litre. The increases include petrol 93 & 95 ULP and LRP by 327.00 cents per litre, diesel 0.05% and 0.005% sulphur by 618.77 cents per litre wholesale, illuminating paraffin wholesale by 422.00 cents per litre, illuminating paraffin SMNRP by 563.00 cents per litre, and LPG by 507.00 cents per kilogram. Henry van der Merwe, Chairman of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association SAPRA, expressed deep concern, stating that these increases will impact every sector of the economy, driving up transport costs, food prices, and the overall cost of living. He attributed the adjustment to a sharp rise in global oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions disrupting supply chains. While the rand has shown some stability, it has not been enough to offset the surge in international product prices, leaving South Africa vulnerable to global oil market volatility. The knock-on effects are expected to strain households and businesses, particularly in transport, logistics, agriculture, and small enterprise sectors. Van der Merwe noted that temporary fuel levy relief, while providing some cushioning, is unlikely to fully absorb the scale of the increases and is temporary, with levies returning to previous levels from July 1. This situation is expected to intensify
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Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.