Eskom & Tariffs: Nersa has opened public comment on Eskom’s proposed 2027/28 tariff structure, with an 8.83% overall increase and a 2 October deadline—focus is on how revenue is split between fixed and variable charges. Eskom Accountability: Eskom also corrected Daily Investor’s FY2026 diesel spending claims, saying actual open-cycle gas turbine expenditure was R7.1bn (not the reported higher figure) and that emergency generation reliance fell. South Africa Competitiveness: IMD’s 2026 ranking puts SA top in Africa, up 10 places to 54th globally, with business efficiency a bright spot but infrastructure still a drag. Local Governance & Politics: Ramaphosa’s ANC campaign trail in Tembisa comes as the party faces an IEC candidate-list crisis that could exclude hundreds of councillors. Crime & Policing: A former Western Cape police commissioner warns police corruption has become “a new normal”, arguing vetting must be ongoing with lifestyle audits and rotation. Mining & Jobs: Sibanye-Stillwater platinum/palladium workers are protesting contract cuts and benefits changes, with strikes continuing. Regional Finance & Debt: A report says African sovereigns raised over $14bn in H1 2026, but much went to budget gaps and debt servicing rather than productive investment. Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana evacuated 41 more citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, bringing returnees to about 1,600 since May. Global Business Signals: US stocks ended the week weaker after strong non-farm payrolls kept rate-cut hopes in check.