SARB Rate Shock: South Africa’s Reserve Bank raised the repo rate by 25 bps to 7%, warning inflation risks could push further hikes if fuel and food pressures persist. Property Pressure: Analysts say higher borrowing costs will hit first-time buyers hardest, while existing homeowners face tighter budgets as affordability worsens. Gauteng Crime Crisis: New police figures show Gauteng drives more than half of SA kidnappings, with ransom cases concentrated in the province and syndicates increasingly targeting victims’ bank accounts. Public Safety & Accountability: The DA demanded action after a probe found nearly 28,000 absconded parolees and probationers can’t be accounted for, calling it a “public safety crisis”. Local Government Politics: ActionSA rejected Johannesburg’s R97.1bn budget, arguing spending priorities aren’t pro-poor and implementation is weak. Energy & Industry Buildout: Transnet TNPA signed a R22bn LNG terminal deal at Port of Ngqura to support gas-to-power and energy security, targeting full operations by 2035. Tourism Bounce: SA tourist accommodation revenue jumped 14.1% year-on-year in March, led by hotels. Health & Regulation: SAHPRA and the Pharmacy Council raided a Pretoria compounding pharmacy over compounded GLP-1 weight-loss products, escalating pressure on the market. Immigration Tensions: Malema urged African unity and rejected violence against undocumented foreigners as anti-immigrant protests intensify. Education Pathways: Rosebank College rebranded to Rosebank International, signalling a push toward full university status and expanded postgraduate offerings.