Immigration Crackdown: President Ramaphosa used a TV address to admit weaknesses in migration management and vowed tougher penalties, including possible jail time, for employers hiring undocumented foreign nationals, alongside faster enforcement and the creation of immigration courts—while warning against xenophobia and vigilantism. Credit Rating Boost: Fitch upgraded South Africa’s sovereign rating for the first time in nearly 21 years, lifting it by one notch to BB, though economists say investment-grade is still a few years away and growth remains the big hurdle. UAE Trade Push: South Africa’s trade ministry and business leaders highlighted stronger UAE momentum, with UAE investment projects in SA worth about $22.96bn and bilateral trade reaching $8bn. Joburg Under Pressure: Business Leadership SA CEO Busisiwe Mavuso argues Johannesburg’s decline since 2010 is a national economic risk, calling for unity between business, government and citizens. Roads Relief: Cabinet approved the write-off of historical GFIP e-toll debt, but drivers who paid legally won’t get refunds. Sustainability Spotlight: Petco Awards spotlighted recycling champions, including a women-led Alexandra project and Orange Farm entrepreneur Tumelo Morolo. OM Bank Growth: Old Mutual said OM Bank integration is on track and customer numbers jumped to 473,000, with retail deposits nearly doubling. Energy & Inflation: OECD data showed headline inflation rising to 4.4% in April as energy prices surged, adding pressure to SA’s cost of living. Student Housing Crisis: NSFAS was warned to announce 2026 student accommodation rates by 30 June or face a sector crisis. Security: Police arrested three suspects and prevented a planned kidnapping in Rosslyn, seizing unlicensed firearms.