Petrol stations running out of fuel, and anger over Cape Town’s solar rules
The rand strengthened slightly at the start of Sunday, 29 March 2026, amid heightened volatility in global markets.
The rand stood at R17.10 to the dollar on Sunday morning, compared with R17.12 the previous morning.
The rand is a highly volatile currency that does not respond well to volatile markets like the one we are currently in, following the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran, and the retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure.
The rand is expected to remain on the defensive as the conflict in the Middle East weighs on risk sentiment.
While Trump said he would postpone attacks on Iran’s energy plans for 10 days on Thursday, it remains incredibly difficult to predict what will happen next.
The Yemen-based Houthis entered the conflict by launching strikes on Israel on Saturday, which threatens to further expand the conflict.
South Africans are also set for a record increase at the fuel pumps this weekend, with petrol expected to rise by over R5, while diesel is set to rise by over R10.
As of Sunday, 29 March, the rand is trading at R17.10 to the dollar, R22.68 to the pound, and R19.72 to the euro. Gold is currently valued at $4,495.05 per ounce, while oil prices have risen to $107.34 per barrel. [Reuters]
5 important things happening in South Africa today
Fuel shortages: With record hikes coming on 1 April, many forecourts around the country are running out of diesel. The Fuel Industry Association of SA told News24 that there had been an increase in the number of stations without diesel ahead of the price hike, as panic buying was hitting some areas. [News24]
Anger in Cape Town: Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) CEO Wayne Duvenage says the City of Cape Town is arrogantly abusing its powers by demanding that residents register their solar installations. While Duvenage said that the city runs the metro better than other large cities, this does not give them the right to abuse the system and demand extra certificates [MyBroadband]
Rupert is involved in a major battle: A report into alleged backhanded wheeling and dealing at Stellenbosch Bridge, a luxury, multimillion-rand development in Stellenbosch, is reportedly being kept secret. [News24]
Bye Bye Cape Town: There is a reverse semigration trend of skilled young professionals leaving Cape Town for Johannesburg. While Cape Town is often seen as a better-run municipality than its Gauteng counterpart, young professionals are leaving due to affordability pressures and career opportunities [BusinessTech]
KZN top cop’s contract renewal: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the reappointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the provincial commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal. Mkhwanazi blew the whistle on alleged corruption at SAPS, which resulted in the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the current Madlanga Commission. [The Citizen]
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