It’s the 2nd of March and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
In today’s episode, the attack on Iran expands across the Middle East after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Saturday. The conflict is spreading beyond Israel, with fallout reported across multiple countries and new retaliation fears rising.
Meanwhile, Dubai very nervous as conflict continues, with an eNCA correspondent describing an uneasy calm and growing anxiety in the UAE as the situation escalates.
https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/sa-teacher-dubai-very-nervous-conflict-continues
At the same time, the US President is doubling down, while Iran insists there can be no talks while bombs are falling. Here’s an explainer on how the Iran US standoff is unfolding.
https://www.enca.com/opinion-videos/explainer-how-iran-us-standoff-unfolding
The ripple effects are already hitting travellers. Thousands of flights were cancelled over the weekend, and chaos has persisted at OR Tambo, with passengers stranded. eNCA speaks to those caught up in SA expats stranded as flights are cancelled.
https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories-videos/sa-expats-stranded-flights-cancelled-amid-middle-east-conflict
Markets are watching oil and shipping routes closely. The Strait of Hormuz shipping chokepoint is under renewed strain, with firms rerouting or halting voyages as security risks spike in Iran war shakes global shipping routes.
https://www.enca.com/business/iran-war-shakes-global-shipping-routes
Back home, forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan is expected to return to Parliament later this week after walking out mid-testimony, with a summons issued. MPs are demanding answers in MPs demand O’Sullivan return to Parliament Thursday.
https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/update-mps-demand-osullivan-return-parliament-thursday
The Madlanga Commission is reserving the right to issue an arrest warrant for Brown Mogotsi after he missed his scheduled appearance, citing illness, in Brown Mogotsi informs Madlanga Commission he is ill.
https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/brown-mogotsi-informs-madlanga-commission-he-ill
At the Kampepe Commission, former NDPP Bulelani Ngcuka says the NPA knew apartheid police were behind Steve Biko’s death, but did not have enough evidence to prosecute at the time. The latest is in Ngcuka denies political interference in TRC cases.
https://www.enca.com/videos/ngcuka-denies-any-political-interference-trc-cases
In other news we’re keeping an eye on…
• The President’s special adviser on investments, Alistair Ruiters, leading US trade discussions after the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s tariffs.
• Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi launching the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution.
SPORTS
· Mamelodi Sundowns keep pace with Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership after a 3–1 win over Sekhukhune United.
· In the English Premier League, Arsenal have opened a five point gap at the top after beating 10 man Chelsea 2–1.
· South Africa face old foes New Zealand in a T20 World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and the build-up is captured in Proteas embrace pressure and favourites tag says coach.
https://www.enca.com/sport-top-stories/proteas-embrace-pressure-and-favourites-tag-says-coach
· Meanwhile, the Proteas women wrapped up their ICC Women’s Championship series against Pakistan with a 2–1 series win, and now tour New Zealand in T20 and ODI fixtures.
That is your News Bite for 02 March 2026.
For developments on these and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.
