US Tariffs Bite SA Exports: Washington has imposed new Section 301 forced-labour tariffs on South African goods, adding a 12.5% duty on affected exports and raising fresh competitiveness fears. Rand Under Pressure: The rand slid after the SARB held rates at 7%, with the dollar strengthening on higher US yields and renewed trade-war risk. Trusted Employer Scheme Boost: Home Affairs expanded the Trusted Employer Scheme to speed visas for investors and skilled workers, using a risk-based approach and an online process linked to the ETA platform. Water Crisis Funding Push: Ramaphosa released the National Water Action Plan, calling for infrastructure investment, legal reforms and anti-corruption action, with private capital to help close the backlog. Township Digital Inclusion: Communications minister Solly Malatsi warned against “digital inequality”, arguing townships—not geography—should define SA’s tech future. Skills Governance Crackdown: Buti Manamela warned SETAs that obstructing oversight or misusing funds will face consequences. Job Creation on the Ground: In Diepsloot and nearby areas, community-led engagement helped place more unemployed residents into jobs, with plans to challenge suspected immigration and labour violations. Crime & Courts: A security boss accused of seven murders will only go to trial in February after a delay. Logistics Cost Shock: A study estimates cross-border disruption costs SA up to R16bn a year, with border delays measured in days.