Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Petrol rose above R30 a litre and diesel to as much as R33, prompting queues at filling stations; the AA urged government to cut fuel taxes by about R3.

Momentum economist Sanisha Packirisamy warned broad fuel-tax relief could cost billions, favouring clearly targeted, time-limited support for vulnerable households while protecting fiscal credibility.

Competition Commission guidelines will examine manufacturers’ control over spare parts, technical information and specialist tools, potentially making repairs easier for phones, appliances, medical devices and backup systems.

South Africans are keeping smartphones longer, with some operators testing 48-month contracts; high-end devices can last beyond two years, although batteries and charging ports remain failure points.

A retirement-village sectional title preserves ownership and inheritance but carries higher costs, while a life right is cheaper to run yet depends heavily on the operator’s financial stability and contract terms.