Critical Minerals Diplomacy: The US and South Africa held high-level talks in Johannesburg on potential critical-minerals agreements, with discussions described as “very early stage” but aimed at reducing reliance on China for minerals vital to defence, electronics and energy. Tourism & Immigration: South Africa is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation system, pushing dedicated airport lanes to process travellers in under 60 seconds and rolling out renewals, family profiles and broader coverage. Gauteng Governance: Gauteng Economic Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa has sacked Gauteng Gambling Board CEO Dr Karabo Mbele after a corruption report. Courts & Politics: Parliament is defending its public participation process in a Constitutional Court challenge to the Public Procurement Act, while the IEC rejects Julius Malema’s 2024 election irregularities claims. Crime & Enforcement: In the Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni extortion case, the matter was struck off the roll after a prosecutor failed to appear—though police say the case remains strong. Fraud Crackdown: Mpumalanga’s alleged R27m Covid-19 TERS “ghost employee” scheme sees arrests and bail granted for accused. Business & Markets: Nutun cut its headline loss to R63m for the six months to March, and Africa Bitcoin Corporation is moving its JSE listing to the Main Board on May 22. Energy/Infrastructure: SA’s gas industry is calling for a more centralised state-led gas infrastructure plan as supply risks loom after 2028.