Inflation & rates: South Africa’s inflation jumped to 5% in June (from 4.5%), driven mainly by a fuel-led transport surge, raising pressure on the SARB ahead of the MPC decision. Cost-of-living squeeze: A Money Stress Tracker says living costs have overtaken interest rates as the biggest household worry, with electricity and general expenses climbing sharply. SASSA reform push: SASSA is reviewing more than 350,000 grants in 2026/27, targeting about R1.5bn in savings and shorter queues as eligibility checks intensify. Anti-corruption overhaul: Parliament is moving to strengthen PRECCA, with amendments aimed at tougher consequences for corruption and lower thresholds for reporting suspected wrongdoing. Affordable housing finance: RMB and Indlu launched a R1bn blended finance programme to scale backyard rentals, with a R915m pipeline and a goal of unlocking credit for micro-developers. Banking access: Absa and Home Affairs rolled out a bank-based Smart ID mobile unit in Gauteng to expand identity services. Fintech momentum: Pepkor is combining Flash with Shop2Shop in a R21.3bn fintech platform deal, while Omnisient was named among CNBC’s top fintechs. Road safety: Discovery Insure research flags poor sleep as a major blind spot in crash risk, pushing new sleep-reward features. Municipal pressure: A WaterWise-focused debate highlights how leaks and infrastructure backlogs are worsening the water crisis. Sports funding spotlight: SA hockey player Onthatile Zulu says national-team players often have to crowdfund for World Cup costs. World Bank loan scrutiny: Trade union leaders demand transparency over SA’s $1.5bn World Bank development policy loan terms.