SAPS Tender Fallout: Four senior SAPS officials have been served with suspension notices in the widening probe into the irregular R360m “Cat” Matlala Medicare24 health services contract, linked to the Madlanga Commission and a parliamentary inquiry. Phala Phala Pressure: Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala saga is back in the spotlight as the Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation urges the FBI and US DOJ to investigate the origin and handling of the US dollars found at the farm. Rates vs Housing: Property sector voices warn that higher interest rates won’t build homes, pushing up delivery costs and threatening jobs as affordability takes strain. Labour Market: Stats SA reports unemployment rose to 32.7% in Q1 2026, with youth joblessness climbing to 45.8%. Xenophobia Debate: Julius Malema invokes Zimbabwe’s Gukurahundi in the immigration row, arguing ethnic intolerance can turn deadly. Trade & Policy: China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries is welcomed, but exporters are warned that compliance, logistics and support will decide whether it turns into real growth. Border Compliance: Eswatini travellers must declare vehicles and goods under a new South African traveller declaration system starting today. Energy Transition: Mezzanine and Open Access Energy sign a reseller deal to expand virtual wheeling access across SA’s renewable market. Local Business & Crime: Dis-Chem is under Competition Commission investigation after a complaint about its discount scheme.