News Bulletin of 5 January 2026, 3pm

South Africans are set to benefit from lower fuel prices from Wednesday, driven by a decline in global crude oil prices and a stronger rand.Month-end figures from the Central Energy Fund indicate that petrol prices will decrease by 62 cents per litre for 93 Unleaded and 66 cents per litre for 95 Unleaded. Diesel is also expected to see significant cuts, with prices dropping by R1.36 per litre for 500ppm and R1.49 per litre for 50ppm. Department spokesperson Robert Maake says the reductions will push coastal prices of 95 Unleaded petrol and 50ppm diesel to their lowest levels since February 2022.
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Guided hikes, heritage trails and storytelling sessions have returned to the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site following its reopening after the festive season.
The Koppies are open on Sundays between 08:00 and 11:30. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including a 5km self-paced hike, a self-guided heritage trail, or exploring the reserve using available maps. Guided activities include 90-minute tours on Sundays at 08:00, an 8km group hike held on the last Sunday of each month, and a children’s storytelling session on the second Sunday of every month.

South African lobby groups are urging government to fast-track the Liquor Amendment Bill, which proposes raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (Saapa) renewed its call at the 7th Biennial Global Alcohol Policy Conference in Cape Town, arguing that delaying alcohol use among young people can reduce long-term harm. Saapa spokesperson Terri-Liza Fortein said the proposed law forms part of broader harm-reduction measure, including tighter advertising rules, reduced trading hours, fewer liquor outlets, and stronger enforcement of existing regulations.