SME Funding Push: Masisizane Fund launched a year-long investment readiness programme to help growth-stage SMEs tighten governance, financial discipline and growth plans so they can access capital. Jobs Watch: Stats SA says employment fell by 14,000 between March and June, with manufacturing, business services, trade and transport among the biggest losers. Electric Buses Rollout: Golden Arrow is tendering for another 40–60 electric buses, adding to its 120-strong BYD fleet, while warning that “green finance” often comes with no real discount. Electricity Costs & Solar Reality: With Eskom fixed charges rising, partial solar savings are less straightforward for farmers, shifting the focus to security of supply and long-term cost. Food Inflation Shield: A strong grain harvest kept consumer food inflation low, with August food inflation at 0.7% and key items like grains, fruit and veg in deflation. Retail Shake-up: Woolworths, Pick n Pay and SPAR are restructuring and changing leadership as they face tougher competition from Shoprite and Walmart. Starlink Equity Fight: South Africa renewed calls for Elon Musk’s Starlink to enter the market, urging compliance with the 30% ownership requirement. Capital Markets: Sibanye-Stillwater secured approval for a secondary listing on A2X from 6 October, boosting trading access for investors. Crime & Public Safety: Police arrested four men in a Western Cape extortion syndicate, with WhatsApp-linked taxi extortion allegations also feeding into the Madlanga Commission.