City Finance & Service Delivery: Johannesburg’s crisis deepens as National Treasury steps in, but analysts warn money alone won’t fix it without competent City leadership and delivery-capable institutions. Municipal Politics: The IEC says the DA’s court challenge over single-candidate proportional lists for municipal elections is meritless and opportunistic, setting up a legal fight over list rules. Governance & Corruption Watch: At the Madlanga Commission, Joe “Ferarri” Sibanyoni’s testimony focused on a R30m Shosholoza savings club transfer, payments and an unexplained balance, with questions over local-content claims. Trade & Markets: South Africa’s trade surplus widened to R20.5bn in August as exports fell but still outpaced imports, with analysts flagging higher energy prices ahead. Tax & Compliance: SARS is moving to a dedicated diesel refund registration framework outside VAT, signalling tighter oversight and new compliance expectations for businesses. Tourism & Immigration Tech: South Africa’s electronic travel authorisation is expanding fast, paving the way for more digital processing across visa categories. Energy & Industry: GameChange Energy completes commissioning of its Genius Tracker for the Mooi Plaats Solar PV project feeding Anglo American operations in the Northern Cape. Crime & Safety: Cape Town’s Elsies River CCTV debate heats up as residents question monitoring effectiveness while officials say cameras are monitored 24/7. Education Costs: FNB research finds many parents plan for schooling but underestimate the real financial burden, often starting too late. Regional Business Shock: Zimbabwe billionaire Wicknell Chivayo and his wife were killed in a helicopter crash near Marondera.