For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Petrol, diesel price cuts confirmed for Wednesday; Ramaphosa says Springboks' win united citizens in celebration; And, South Africa calls for UN force to protect civilians in Gaza

Petrol, diesel price cuts confirmed for Wednesday

The price of both grades of unleaded petrol (93 and 95) will be lowered by R1.78 a litre on Wednesday, while diesel wholesale prices will be cut by between 82c and 85c depending on the sulphur content.

The maximum national retail price of paraffin will fall by R1.30 a litre, but the maximum retail price for LPGAS will be hiked by R1.49 a kilogram.

The average international prices for petrol and diesel decreased during the period under review, the department of mineral resources and energy said in a statement today.

On Wednesday, Gauteng 95 unleaded petrol will cost R23.90 a litre, the cheapest level since August this year. At the start of the year, a litre 95 unleaded petrol cost R21.40.

The diesel wholesale price in Gauteng will be R24.17 a litre from Wednesday, compared to R21.22 at the start of the year.

Ramaphosa says Springboks' win united citizens in celebration

President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the Springboks’ win in France on Saturday night has lifted the nation’s spirits, and he pointed out the enduring power of sport to unite and build a nation.

The Springboks secured their title as back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions, after beating New Zealand’s All Blacks in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This is the first time any country has held four Rugby World Cup titles.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that the journey of the Springboks to the historic victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup is as much about the country’s journey towards nationhood, as it is about sporting excellence.

He noted that the Springboks’ win has united citizens in celebration.

He said it is government’s hope that it must also serve to inspire the younger generation to derive important life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, discipline and leadership.

Ramaphosa highlighted that the interview that Springboks captain Siya Kolisi gave shortly after the team’s win on Saturday will be remembered as one of the most poignant and meaningful from a sports person in the country.

And, South Africa calls for UN force to protect civilians in Gaza

South Africa called for the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect civilians in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza from further bombardment as Israel steps up its retaliation for a deadly attack by militant group Hamas.

South Africa has long been an advocate for peace in the region, likening the plight of Palestinians to its own under the apartheid regime that ended in 1994.

In calling for a protection force, South Africa has gone further in its support for the Palestinians than most nations, some of which have called for a ceasefire or the opening of a humanitarian corridor to allow aid into Gaza.

Israel has tightened its blockade and bombardment of Gaza since Hamas gunmen stormed into Israel on October 7 and killed some 1 400 people. Palestinians in Gaza reported fierce air and artillery strikes early today.

Medical authorities in Gaza said on Sunday 8 005 people had been killed in the three-week war. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the figures.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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