Team eRadio – Page 19 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

SA welcomes Middle East ceasefire, calls for lasting peace

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East, expressing hope that it will pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict.

Speaking during the Credentials Ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports ongoing efforts to end hostilities.

“We note the current initiatives and ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive end to the conflict in the Middle East.

“We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire and are hopeful that it will lay the basis for a permanent resolution of the conflict,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s long-standing position that peace should be achieved through dialogue rather than force.

“South Africa once again calls for dialogue and mediation to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property, and to ensure a just, sustainable and lasting peace,” he said.

South Africa has persistently stood at the helm of calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, maintaining that dialogue remains the only viable path toward a sustainable solution, and that no military intervention can deliver lasting peace. The country has further urged for a universal and unequivocal recognition of United Nations resolutions on peace and conflict resolution, which are meant to advance civilian protection and brokering ceasefire deals.

In Pretoria today, President Ramaphosa once again called on all countries to uphold international law and respect sovereignty.

“We further call on all countries to respect international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.”

The President said South Africa’s international relations outlook is grounded in the values of its Constitution, including human dignity, equality and freedom.

“As a nation that emerged from a painful past of injustice and inequality, we seek a more just and equitable world order. We seek a global order defined by peace and friendship amongst all the nations of the world,” he said.

President Ramaphosa stressed that global peace and security should be achieved through cooperation and adherence to international agreements.

“We strive to ensure that global peace and security is secured through dialogue and negotiation and not through force of arms – where international laws, treaties and agreements are upheld and respected,” the President said.

He added that in a complex and interconnected world, global solidarity, multilateral diplomacy and respect for the multilateral system remains key to addressing challenges such as conflict, poverty and inequality.

“In a world beset by profound and interconnected challenges – whether they be conflicts, the climate crisis or the proliferation of poverty and inequality – we know that global solidarity and deepening cooperation are our surest means to overcome them,” he said.

Central Karoo Flying Squad Confiscates Drugs Worth R165 000 at Prince Albert

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Members of the Central Karoo Flying Squad have confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R165 000 during crime-combatting operations at Prince Albert in the Western Cape.

Police conducted a vehicle checkpoint on the N1 at the entrance to Prince Albert on Monday, 6 March 2026, when they stopped a passenger bus. During the search, officers noticed a passenger jumping over a nearby farm fence and fleeing the scene.

Police gave chase and, with the assistance of the farm owner, managed to apprehend the suspect. Investigations later linked the man to a travelling bag found on the bus that contained two bales of dagga.

The drugs were confiscated and the 29-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs.

He remains in custody and is expected to appear in the Prince Albert Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.

5 Essentials you should never travel without

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As Easter weekend approaches and schools being to close for the Ester break, South Africans will be leaving to go on holiday or visit families. Yet, every Easter, the results of this are devastating. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) consistently records Easter as the second deadliest period on South African roads.

Hundreds of fatalities are recorded over just four days. MasterDrive’s CEO, Eugene Herbert, expands: “What often does not get enough attention is the practical, road-specific tools that can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. As you prepare for your Easter trip, ensure you have these five essentials packed.”

A tyre pressure gauge
Tyre blowouts remain a major cause of accidents in South Africa, particularly along long stretches of the N1, N2 and N3 during peak periods. “Many drivers assume their tyres are in good condition simply because they look fine or because the tyre pressure monitoring system has not issued an alert.
“Yet, a tyre can be dangerously underinflated without showing visible signs. Compounding the risk, filling station pressure gauges are notoriously unreliable. Do not solely depend on them. An inexpensive pressure gauge, used before departure and checked regularly throughout a trip, can make a critical difference. It costs far less than the consequences of neglect,” says Herbert.

Download offline GPS
Cell signal drops in areas like the Hex River Mountains, the Drakensberg foothills and along long stretches of the Eastern Cape. “When it does, drivers unfamiliar with the route make sudden decisions.
“Unexpected U-turns, last-minute lane changes, or stopping on the road shoulder are common crash triggers. A downloaded offline map keeps you navigating confidently through dead zones,” says Herbert.

Tyre sealant or portable compressor
A flat tyre on a busy holiday route is not just an inconvenience but a hazard. “Many newer vehicles no longer have a spare wheel, and waiting for roadside assistance on a public holiday can take hours with traffic flying past. A can of tyre sealant or a compact 12V compressor can change that.
“If you have a ‘biscuit’ spare tyre or run flats, read the owner’s manual to ensure you understand the limitations of these wheels and do not exceed this,” says Herbert.

A warning triangle and reflective vest
This is legally required but frequently absent. “If you need to stop in an emergency, these items are essential to ensuring you are visible, especially at night. Place the triangle at least 30 metres behind your vehicle on highways to give drivers plenty of time to react,” says Herbert.

Power banks or charging cords
Ensure you have a full battery in case of an emergency. “Reserve a power bank solely for the road. Alternatively, ensure you have a working charging cord that suits the charging port in the vehicle,” says Herbert.

SARS exceeds R2 trillion in 2025/26 net revenue collection

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has collected some R2.010 trillion in net revenue for the 2025/26 financial year, breaking the threshold for the first time since its inception.

The historical milestone was announced by SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter during a presentation of the preliminary revenue outcome for the financial year on Wednesday.

Collections at SARS have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% since the start of Kieswetter’s tenure seven years ago.

“This is a historic milestone of crossing [the] R2 trillion threshold for the first time in our history. Indeed, a defining moment. This is R155 billion more than what we collected a year ago, a remarkable year-on-year growth of 8.4% under these economic conditions where nominal growth, for now, is projected to have grown at 4%.

“This implies a tax-to-GDP [Gross Domestic Product] ratio of 25.9% and tax buoyancy ratio of 1.73%,” Kieswetter said.

The largest contributors to the collection were individual taxes at R794 billion followed by Value Added Tax (VAT) at R500 billion, company taxes stood at R350 billion while customs reached R352 billion and excise stood at R182 billion.

Kieswetter noted that refunds stood at R458 billion at year’s end.

“Refund payments…especially during tough economic times for small businesses and families in financial stress, are an important lifesaver and a necessary injection of cash into the economy.

“The fact that the R458 billion refunds that we processed represents 5.9% of GDP. So, I am therefore pleased that our growth in refunds has consistently grown higher than gross or net revenue. This even after we’ve consistently increased refund risk management to deal with impermissible and fraudulent refund claims,” he said.

The revenue collector took some 22 years to reach the R1 trillion threshold and just ten years to double the collection to R2 trillion despite the effects of slow economic growth, load shedding and COVID-19.

“We believe that this is noteworthy and reflects the diligent work of our employees, the institutional integrity of SARS and the tax administrator centrality to the fiscal health of South Africa.

“SARS is truly a national asset that must never be taken for granted and must be treasured,” the Commissioner added.

A worthy farewell

Kieswetter will be ending his tenure as Commissioner of the revenue service at the end of this month with an announcement of his replacement to be announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“As I come to the end of the seven years of national service, I recall the President’s challenge to those who cared about the future of South Africa and the generations to come to step forward, to leave behind a comfortable life of retirement, and take their place at the forefront of the struggle where real change happens.

“It was a call to service, a call to restore credibility and the capability of our damaged institutions, succinctly captured in the call ‘Thuma Mina’.

“I want to thank the President, the Minister [of Finance], and all South Africans for affording me the rare privilege to make my humble contribution to the wellbeing of our country and its people. I am filled with immense pride that thankfully, together with the help of the people at SARS, we have given our best to the nation,” he said.

The Commissioner encouraged all taxpayers to remain compliant while praising employees at the revenue service.

“Collecting over R2 trillion is not an accident, but the outcome of the more than 14 500 employees who diligently perform millions of activities meticulously to achieve this record collection.

“Every rand not only helps build a capable state that honours the social contract but also enables the state to deliver for all South Africans and strengthen fiscal integrity of South Africa.

“The record achievement we reached today is because of all compliant taxpayers; I would like to thank them for their fiscal citizenship and contribution to help the most vulnerable in our society,” Kieswetter concluded.

SA vehicle sales hit 20-year high, but rocky road ahead for motorists

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South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered its strongest March in nearly two decades, with domestic sales reaching 58,060 units according to naamsa the Automotive Business Council. This represents a 17.3% increase on the 49,500 units sold in March 2025, supported by cumulative interest rate cuts and firmer consumer and business sentiment, even as cost pressures begin to build.

March 2026 is the strongest performance for the month since 2007. Year-to-date volumes now stand at 161,978 units, 12.4% ahead of the same period last year. Dealer channels accounted for 88.7% of total sales, indicating that retail demand continues to underpin the market.

“March is a result worth noting. The market hasn’t seen numbers like this in nearly two decades, pointing to stronger domestic demand. Successive rate cuts since late 2024 are clearly feeding through, lifting both consumer and dealer confidence. The environment, however, is changing.

April introduces new pressure that households and the industry will need to manage carefully,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank.

The March outcome precedes a marked shift in the cost environment. From 1 April, petrol increased by R3.06 per litre, while diesel rose by between R7.37 and R7.51 per litre, reflecting higher global oil prices linked to conflict in the Middle East. The average Brent crude price increased from $69.08 to $93.67 per barrel over the pricing period, with currency weakness adding to the impact. A temporary R3.00 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy provides short-term relief but is due to expire on 5 May 2026 and does not offset the full increase.

Passenger vehicle sales reached 39,370 units, up 18.2% year-on-year, with car rental accounting for 6.5% of volumes, suggesting that retail demand is carrying the bulk of growth. Light commercial vehicles recorded 15,557 units, up 15.7%, while medium commercial vehicles increased by 14.0% to 823 units. Heavy trucks and buses rose 14.5% to 2,310 units. Dealer confidence also reached a 13-year high of 67 index points, consistent with the improvement in trading conditions.

“The fuel and energy increases coming through in April present a clear headwind for consumers who were only starting to benefit from earlier rate cuts. Our focus remains on structuring finance in a way that is sustainable over time, taking into account total cost of ownership rather than purchase price alone,” says Gaoaketse.

Higher electricity tariffs will add to pressure on both households and businesses. The combined effect is likely to feed through into transport costs, food prices and overall living expenses, placing further strain on disposable income.

“A first quarter of this quality provides a solid base for the year. The underlying drivers of demand remain in place, and WesBank will continue to support customers with finance solutions aligned to their circumstances as conditions evolve,” he says.

SAWS warns of scattered showers ahead of Easter travel period

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast partly cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers across parts of the country on Thursday and Friday, as many South Africans prepare to travel for the Easter period.

In its latest weather outlook, SAWS said conditions will be cool to warm in most areas, but hot in some regions, with a higher likelihood of scattered showers in the western parts of the country.

The forecast comes as increased traffic volumes are expected on major routes, with authorities urging motorists to plan their journeys carefully and remain weather-aware.

Safety focus for Easter travellers

With changing weather conditions, SAWS is encouraging travellers to prioritise safety on the roads, particularly in areas prone to thunderstorms and reduced visibility.

The weather service encourages travellers to download its WeatherSmart app which will help in detecting weather conditions ahead of time.

“Headed somewhere this Easter? Our weatherSmart App helps you know when to stop, stay safe from lightning and arrive relaxed. Your safety travel this Easter is only as good as your data,” the weather service said in a post on X, highlighting the importance of using reliable weather data to make informed travel decisions.

The WeatherSmart App is among the tools being promoted to help motorists track conditions in real time. According to SAWS, the app enables users to monitor weather patterns, identify when it may be safer to delay travel, and stay alert to lightning risks.

Lightning awareness and verification

As thunderstorms are expected in some areas, SAWS has also emphasised the importance of lightning awareness, particularly for those travelling long distances or leaving property unattended.

The service offers a Lightning Verification Report at a fee, which can confirm whether a lightning strike occurred at a specific location a tool aimed at helping citizens protect valuable assets and support insurance claims if needed.

SAWS has urged the public to stay updated through official weather platforms and to adjust travel plans where necessary.

With variable conditions expected over the Easter period, travellers are advised to remain cautious, take regular breaks, and ensure their journeys are guided by up-to-date weather information to arrive safely at their destinations.

Home Affairs reaches milestone with over 100 bank branches

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The Department of Home Affairs has reached yet another major milestone on its digital transformation journey, with 110 branches already live across the length and breadth of South Africa.

The department has exceeded its own internal target of rolling out its new Digital Partnership Model to 100 bank branches by the end of March.

Additionally, First National Bank (FNB) has officially become the third bank to join the rollout of this ground-breaking project at their branches.

Just three weeks after the first branch was launched, 77 branches of Capitec Bank, 30 branches of Standard Bank, and the first three branches of First National Bank are now live throughout the country, offering Smart ID replacement services in communities that never had access before.

When compared to the existing 248 Home Affairs offices offering Smart ID services, the addition of 110 more service points constitutes a 44% service expansion in just three weeks.

To date, more than 25 000 Smart ID applications have already been processed through participating bank branches, with the system processing applications at a rate of more than one per minute.

Through this new model, citizens are now able to apply to replace their Green ID Book or a lost Smart ID at participating bank branches in as little as five minutes, avoiding long travel times and queues.

This initiative forms part of the Department’s Home Affairs @ home reform programme, which aims to build a modern, digital-first Home Affairs ecosystem and transform how citizens access government services.

Instead of citizens being forced to travel great distances and stand in long queues to access services at just a few physical locations around the country, Home Affairs @ home is using digital transformation to bring services to citizens right where they live.

This new service does not require any prior booking or paperwork, and is secured through cutting-edge fingerprint and facial recognition technology.

By eliminating paper-based manual processes and official discretion, the application process has also been secured against manipulation and fraud.

Having already exceeded the initial target of 100 bank branches by March 2026, Home Affairs is firmly on track to deliver on its target in the Medium-Term Development Plan to reach 1 000 bank branches by 2029.

The rollout remains deliberate and phased to ensure system stability and service quality, with further expansion planned in the coming weeks. Absa Bank and Nedbank are currently in varying stages of testing and are expected to go live once testing is complete.

“The rapid pace at which Home Affairs is fixing long-standing problems is a testament to the power of reform-minded leadership that embraces innovation.

“In addition to what we have already delivered, over the coming weeks, first time Smart ID applications, Passport applications, secure courier delivery of IDs and Passports, as well as applications submitted via digital banking apps will all become reality through these reforms,” Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said.

“By expanding access and inclusion at a scale and pace not seen before, we are eliminating long queues and freeing up Home Affairs resources and officials to focus on complex tasks that have been neglected for decades, including late birth registrations and ensuring the systematic documentation of all South Africans in underserved areas. This is how we are delivering dignity for all,” Minister Schreiber concluded.

Existing Home Affairs branches and mobile offices remain available to all citizens. To find your nearest bank branch offering Smart ID services, visit: www.dha.gov.za/banks.

How the Basic Fuel Price is calculated: A breakdown

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For South African motorists, the price paid at the pump is far more than just the cost of the fuel itself. It is the end result of many global and domestic factors, including the fluctuating price of crude oil, the strength of the rand, shipping and storage costs, and several government levies and taxes.

According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), the fuel price is calculated using an import parity model designed to balance international competitiveness with local economic realities.

The department says the Basic Fuels Price (BFP) represents the realistic market-related cost of importing fuel into South Africa. Petrol prices are therefore directly linked to the price quoted in US dollars at refining centres in the Mediterranean, the Arab Gulf and Singapore.

Domestic fuel prices are therefore influenced by:

• International crude oil prices
• Global supply and demand for petroleum products
• The Rand/US Dollar exchange rate
The import parity principle is used to ensure that local refineries compete with international counterparts and to promote cost efficiency in a competitive global market.

International influences include:

• Free-on-Board (FOB) values – Petroleum product prices quoted daily by export-oriented refining centres in the Mediterranean, Arab Gulf and Singapore.
• Freight – The cost of transporting refined petroleum products from these centres to South African ports. Rates are based on freight data published annually and adjusted monthly using the Average Freight Rate Assessment (AFRA).
• Demurrage – Charges for delays while petroleum products are loaded and offloaded at ports. The calculation allows for a maximum delay of three days.
• Insurance – About 0.15% of the FOB value and freight cost, covering insurance and related costs such as letters of credit, surveyors and laboratory fees.
• Ocean loss – A loss allowance of 0.3% to account for normal losses during transportation.
• Cargo dues (wharfage) – Charges for using harbour facilities to offload fuel into onshore storage tanks. These tariffs are set by the National Ports Authority.
• Coastal storage – The cost of storing fuel at coastal terminals. The calculation provides for 25 days of storage and is adjusted annually according to the Producer Price Index (PPI).
• Stock financing – The cost of financing stored fuel, based on the landed cost of petroleum products, 25 days of stockholding and the prime interest rate minus 2%.
The BFP, quoted in US dollars per barrel or ton, is converted to US cents per litre and then to South African cents per litre using the applicable exchange rate.

Domestic influences also affect the final fuel price and include:

• Inland transport costs – The cost of transporting fuel from coastal refineries to inland depots by road, rail or pipeline.
• Wholesale margin – A regulated margin granted to fuel wholesalers. It aims to provide an industry-average return of about 15% on depreciated asset values.
• Retail profit margin – A margin set by government to cover service station operating costs, including rent, labour, overheads and business compensation.
• General Fuel Levy – A tax collected on every litre of fuel to fund government spending.
• Road Accident Fund levy – Adjusted annually to fund compensation for road accident victims.
• Carbon Fuel Levy – Introduced to reduce carbon emissions.
• Customs and Excise Levy – A tax imposed by the South African Revenue Service.

Another component is the Slate Levy, which is a temporary adjustment based on daily calculations.
If the daily BFP is higher than the fuel price at the pump, an under-recovery occurs, meaning consumers are paying too little. If the daily BFP is lower, an over-recovery occurs, meaning consumers are paying too much.

These daily calculations are averaged over the monthly review period. The difference is multiplied by the volume of fuel sold and recorded in a cumulative recovery account.

If this account moves into a negative balance, a Slate Levy is added to fuel prices to recover the shortfall.

2 200 soldiers deployed to five provinces

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2 200 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed from today to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the fight against crime.

According to the Presidency, the deployment serves to prevent and combat crime, and support and preserve law and order under Operation Prosper which is targeting illegal mining and gangsterism.

“The deployed members of the SANDF will assist the South African Police Service to prevent and combat illegal mining and gangsterism in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.

“The deployment is until 31 March 2027,” said the Presidency in a statement.

The Presidency said expenditure for this employment is estimated at R823 153 960.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on communities to welcome and work more closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to identify and alienate criminal elements and make neighbourhoods safer in the process.

R1bn tourism infrastructure pipeline to boost investment and jobs

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Government’s push to build tourism infrastructure has begun to yield results, with eight investment-ready projects worth more than R1 billion now unveiled.

About 18 months ago, government called on provinces and cities to submit proposals aimed not only at attracting visitors, but at building long-term infrastructure to sustain the tourism sector. The response, officials say, was overwhelming.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, eight projects have been identified as fully structured and bankable.

Speaking at the Investment Opportunity Commission on Infrastructure, Tourism and Hospitality, during the Sixth South Africa Investment Conference on Tuesday, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the projects mark a shift in how tourism is being positioned.

“For the first time at this Investment Conference, tourism infrastructure investment projects are being presented not as ideas, but as opportunities,” de Lille said.

She said the initiative is aimed at diversifying South Africa’s tourism offering, introducing new products, and maintaining existing infrastructure.

“We have to diversify our tourism offering to the rest of the world, bring in new products, but also look at maintenance of our existing tourism infrastructure,” she said.

De Lille emphasised that tourism is one of the most employment-intensive sectors, making infrastructure development critical to job creation and economic growth.

She added that investor confidence depends on how projects are structured.

“Investors ask the same questions: is there a credible pipeline? Is the regulatory pathway clear? Are risks allocated appropriately, and are revenue streams predictable? These are the central considerations,” she said.

To improve the investment process, the department has established an investment facilitation unit to streamline engagement and reduce bureaucratic delays.

John Lamola, Group Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, highlighted the critical role of air connectivity in tourism growth.

He said air travel, often driven by tourism, plays a broader role in fostering global understanding.

“When people travel, they don’t just move across borders — they move across understanding,” Lamola said.

He stressed that without adequate air access, even the strongest tourism offerings would struggle to succeed.

“If we cannot bring people here, then even the best tourism product cannot succeed,” he said.

Brand South Africa CEO Neville Matjie underscored tourism’s importance to economic development, noting that investment in the sector helps bridge social and cultural divides.

Panelists agreed that tourism should be approached as an infrastructure and competitiveness issue rather than purely a destination-driven sector.

They emphasised the need for projects to be structured with clear revenue models, defined risks and long-term viability to attract investment.

“Tourism must be understood not just as a destination story, but as an infrastructure and competitiveness story. That’s where the real competitive advantage lies,” one panelist noted.

“Investors don’t invest in stories; they invest in certainty.”