R10 million fine for a truck driver, and big plans to build a new bridge in Cape Town

The Automobile Association (AA) has demanded that the Central Energy Fund produce a public plan within 90 days to address South Africa’s critically low fuel reserves and the collapse of its refineries.

This comes after Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe revealed that the country only has 6.9 million barrels left, enough for roughly 30 days of fuel.

Additionally, the AA called for a R3-per-litre fuel tax cut to protect consumers from surging petrol and diesel prices brought on by the war in Iran, and for employers to allow their employees to work from home.

In related news, Brent Crude oil prices dipped slightly to $104 per barrel today. Energy costs remain high as the Iranian-backed Houthis continue to launch drone and missile strikes across Saudi Arabia.

Global oil consumption has dropped by 2.6 million barrels per day this year in response to a 70% price increase following the start of the war.

Oil tankers are increasingly avoiding areas where they would normally collect crude, complicating supply chain logistics.

5 important things

Say goodbye to Cape Town’s city centre as you know it: The City of Cape Town plans to complete the famous unfinished Foreshore Freeway and transform the surrounding area into a new neighbourhood and promenade with affordable housing, walkable streets, and restaurants. [TopAuto].

R10 million fine for a truck driver: In 2025, a Zimbabwean national and truck driver was arrested after a SARS cargo analyst detected suspicious images during a routine scan at Musina. A SAPS investigation discovered R10.4 million’s worth of illicit cigarettes. The cigarettes, along with the truck and tanker trailer used to transport them, were forfeited to the state. [Newsday].

Former Home Affairs officials arrested for allegedly selling passports: The Department of Home Affairs welcomed the arrest of two officials linked to a syndicate selling fraudulent South African passports to foreign nationals for up to R100,000 each [MyBroadband].

Trouble for anyone renewing their driver’s licence and car licence discs: Residents trying to renew their licences in parts of Gauteng are facing major service disruptions. The disruptions result from a contract dispute that has left licensing centres without the necessary resources to process transactions [BusinessTech].

Legacy car brands losing mass market to the Chinese: Established carmakers likely won’t be able to match Chinese rivals on price and will lose the mass market. While they will continue to have an advantage in premium segments and fleet sales, Chinese brands will dominate the mass market thanks to faster development times and lower costs [Bloomberg].