SARS Filing Season: SARS says about R8bn in refunds has already been paid within 72 hours of the 2026 filing season opening, with auto-assessments rolling out for millions—just remember to check your notice and update via eFiling/MobiApp if anything is off. Rand & Rates: The rand edged higher as traders waited for key US jobs data, looking for clues on the Fed’s next move. UIF Governance: Busa withdraws from UIF structures at Nedlac and pulls its reps from the UIF board, demanding an independent administrator and even a forensic probe. Electricity Costs: City Power tariffs for Johannesburg-area customers rise from 1 July, with an average 8.63% increase—while households brace for broader municipal hikes. Tax & Travel Compliance: SARS makes a mandatory online traveller declaration compulsory for most cross-border trips from 1 July. Tech & Investment: Google says it has exceeded $1bn in Africa investment, announcing new cloud/AI plans from Johannesburg. Tourism Boost: International arrivals rise 12.8% (Jan–May 2026), with strong growth from Africa, Europe and Brazil. Migration Shockwaves: The June 30 anti-immigration deadline continues to disrupt business and culture, while Nigeria demands compensation for abandoned assets and reports of violence fuel regional concern. Health Funding: A U.S. PEPFAR HIV funding drawdown for South Africa is condemned as potentially “catastrophic.” Telecom Deal: Vodacom completes its expanded stake in Safaricom (about 55%), strengthening its East Africa push.