AGP Executive Report

SADC Chair Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa wrapped up the 46th SADC summit in Durban, with analysts warning South Africa must turn the bloc’s long-stated goals into real trade and industrialisation outcomes as xenophobia and migration friction undermine regional business confidence. Local Government Tensions: A new warning from Corruption Watch says South Africa’s upcoming local elections could be among the deadliest for political killings, driven by factionalism and competition for municipal resources. Joburg Under Pressure: The CDE says Johannesburg’s collapse is a national risk, citing huge backlogs, cash shortfalls and worsening unemployment, arguing the city’s failures feed into broader economic decline. Housing Fight in Ekurhuleni: The DA and Ekurhuleni are trading accusations over housing targets and spending, with the city disputing claims of overspending and missed delivery. NSFAS Fallout: The Public Protector says more than 40,000 students were improperly funded, costing about R5.1bn, while CPUT shut campuses after protests tied to student finances and NSFAS concerns. BRICS Environment Track: South Africa called for equitable, predictable biodiversity finance and stronger implementation ahead of COP17, while BRICS environment ministers unveiled compendiums on sustainable practices. Finance Appointments: Ramaphosa appointed Nhlanhla Musa Nene as FFC chair and Malijeng Ngqaleni as deputy, as Phase 3 of the Government-Business Partnership is set for 20 August. Business Confidence: Sacci reports its Business Confidence Index stabilised in July, helped by new car sales, exports and cheaper energy, while fuel-price pressures and global risks remain.

SARS Digital VAT Overhaul: South Africa’s tax authority has launched a public consultation on a “Sars Modernisation 3.0” plan to move VAT to a digital, near-real-time system that links e-invoicing and e-reporting, aiming to cut manual admin for compliant firms while tightening fraud oversight. SADC Summit Momentum: President Cyril Ramaphosa and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe wrapped up the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government summit in Durban, with renewed focus on regional integration and trade—plus a push to expand early childhood development support for the region’s youngest children. Local Government Planning: SALGA’s Eastern Cape is set to hold a two-day Provincial Members Assembly (18–19 Aug) to review municipal performance, unlock investment-ready projects, and prepare for the 2026 local election transition. Mining Social Licence: A fresh look at mining rights argues that licences alone don’t secure outcomes—trust with employees and communities is the real currency behind stable operations. Election Polls Debate: Opinion research is under the spotlight ahead of municipal elections, with concerns about how polls can shape voter sentiment and the need for tougher regulation around transparency and conflicts. SAA Leadership Shake-up: South African Airways has placed acting CEO Matshela Seshibe on special leave and appointed Chief Legal Officer Koekie Mbeki as acting CEO, adding to governance and leadership uncertainty at the airline. Crime & Enforcement: Police intercepted a dagga truck worth over R4m at Oshoek Port of Entry and arrested a suspect; separately, a bail bid by Peet Viljoen was denied in a major Johannesburg municipal property fraud case. Business & Tech: Xsolla says it has added 15+ new local payment methods to help game developers reach players across multiple regions without extra integration per method.

SADC Integration Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the 46th SADC summit in Durban urging leaders to “turn borders into bridges” and build a common market to boost industry and jobs across the region. Border & Migration Pressure: South Africa’s Border Management Authority intercepted 4,229 undocumented people between April and July and recorded 89,936 repatriations by Aug 7, underscoring persistent gaps in border control. Mining & Jobs Agenda: SADC Secretary Elias Magosi called for an end to exporting raw minerals, pushing beneficiation and manufacturing to create wealth and employment. Energy & Finance: Thungela reported stronger interim results and kept full-year guidance, while Genser Energy secured EUR 456m financing to expand gas-to-power projects across West Africa. Retail Governance: Spar Group announced the resignations of chair Mike Bosman and deputy chair Dr Shirley Zinn, following earlier leadership turmoil. Local Business Growth: Lesaka is consolidating its merchant fintech brands under one name, aiming for a smoother payments, cash and POS offering for South African merchants. Sports Tech & Governance: VAR remains a flashpoint as SAFA faces fresh pressure after minister Gayton McKenzie asked for an update on plans to introduce the system. Environment & Compliance: Poaching is threatening South Africa’s succulents, with estimates of millions harvested since 2018, while the Eco-Logic Awards named 2026 finalists for environmental leadership.

SADC Summit Watch: South Africa has formally taken the SADC chair and will host the 46th Heads of State summit in Durban, with leaders pushing “resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation” via infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals. Local Government Accountability: Kennedy Road’s housing handover in KZN signals a more collaborative model with shack-dwellers, while a separate report highlights how SA’s water crisis is turning emergency tankering into a long-term substitute for functioning infrastructure. Police Oversight: Pressure is mounting over delays to SAPS body-worn cameras, raising fresh concerns about police accountability and transparency. Jobs & Skills: AMCU says democracy has failed the working class as Marikana commemorations renew calls for accountability; meanwhile, SA’s auto sector warns of a growing shortage of skilled technicians as electronics and EVs reshape training needs. Trade & Agriculture: The US Senate backs an AGOA extension, a potential boost for SA exporters including key farm value chains. Business & Markets: JSE property play Resilient Reit reports solid dividend growth and lease renewals, while copper prices stay supported by tight supply and electrification demand. Culture & Institutions: Zeitz MOCAA appoints Elvira Dyangani Ose as artistic director ahead of its 10th anniversary.

Fuel Watch: South Africa’s September fuel hike is looking nasty, with Central Energy Fund data pointing to diesel under-recovery pushing wholesale prices up by about R2.73–R2.89/l, potentially landing diesel around R29.79/l. Trade & Exports: An export delegation from Pakistan’s Sialkot is in South Africa to chase new buyers in sports goods, leather and surgical instruments, aiming to deepen direct trade links. AGOA Boost: The US Senate has extended AGOA for two years, keeping duty-free access for eligible African exports alive—good news for SA exporters after months of uncertainty. Energy & Infrastructure: North West’s R479.6m road project is completed, upgrading about 25.8km and improving connectivity in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district. Jobs Snapshot: Western Cape unemployment sits at 19.5% versus 33.6% nationally, with economists pointing to a mix of history and governance. Immigration Tension: South Africa’s push to seek reimbursement for repatriation costs from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia is set to spark diplomatic friction while the debate over border enforcement heats up. Tech & Payments: More African banks are integrating with China’s CIPS system, raising the yuan’s role in cross-border trade and payments. Transport & Safety: KZN’s drunk-driving crackdown continues, with arrests including a prison warden reportedly eight times over the legal limit. Justice Reminder: Fourteen years after Marikana, families say accountability still hasn’t arrived, with no successful prosecutions for police killings.

Courtroom Fallout: Fashion powerhouse MaXhosa founder Laduma Ngxokolo is locked in a fresh legal fight over the R13m Pyramid building purchase in Eloff Street, with the dispute now shifting to whether the parties must enter mediation. Asset Recovery: A Ferrari SF90 worth over R10m tied to alleged Tembisa Hospital tender fraud is set for sale after a tribunal authorised the curator to liquidate it for at least R9.5m, with proceeds ring-fenced under SIU oversight. Workplace Pressure: South Africans are “running on empty” as the economic squeeze feeds stress and burnout, with experts pointing to high daily stress levels and low “thriving” rates. SAA Shake-up: Suspended SAA acting CEO Matshela Seshibe faces new scrutiny after a whistleblower report reportedly links allegations to his Air Chefs tenure and procurement. Migration & Xenophobia: Ramaphosa says SA is “deeply ashamed” over discrimination and violence against foreign nationals as SADC leaders push to manage migration tensions. Energy Governance: Eskom’s grid split debate intensifies as critics question the timing and risk of restructuring the transmission system operator. Johannesburg Politics: A mall owner seeks an urgent court interdict against PA leaders Kenny Kunene and Victoria Africa over alleged disruption tied to anti-immigration protests. Unemployment Alarm: Stats SA’s latest labour data keeps spotlight on joblessness, with the rate rising to 33.7% and millions out of work.

Port & Logistics: Cape Town port says it has cut vessel waiting times from 115 hours to 44.3 hours and improved truck turnaround to 39.9 minutes ahead of the 2026/27 deciduous fruit season, with rail performance up 82% and new terminal equipment now in place. Energy: Eskom reports its financial year-to-date energy availability factor at 67.55%—the best since 2020—plus a 44.5% drop in unplanned outages, supporting winter demand. Regulation & Telecoms: Icasa walks back its “collusion” suggestion about mobile giants, saying it has not investigated or found collusion, while new end-user rules are set for January 2027. Migration & Jobs: Limpopo employers in Polokwane say the departure of undocumented workers is leaving skilled labour gaps, even as general labour availability improves. Social Protection: The SRD grant legal fight heads to the Supreme Court of Appeal on 25 August after a High Court ruling found parts of the administration unconstitutional. Finance & Payments: Reserve Bank ends self-regulation in a payment system overhaul, while UberX is set to be phased out in South Africa at end of August. Mining & Courts: Patrice Motsepe wins another court reprieve in a $195m Tanzania graphite dispute as a damages claim is struck out on procedural grounds. Property & Consumer: Cape Town sees a Bree Street development sell out in under 24 hours with sales topping R1bn before construction starts, while South Africans debate affordability after a viral R15k budget post. Business & Trade: TNPA invites investors to develop two logistics sites at the Port of Durban, aiming to expand capacity and create new commercial opportunities.

Shell Wild Coast setback: South Africa’s Constitutional Court has overturned Shell and Impact Africa’s offshore oil-and-gas exploration rights, ending years of legal fights over seismic surveys and ruling that commercial interests can’t outweigh constitutional violations. NSFAS governance shake-up: The High Court has provisionally suspended NSFAS administrator Hlengani Mathebula’s appointment and reinstated former board members, as Parliament questions advisor payments and whether the move undermined board authority. SAA leadership crisis: South African Airways has placed acting group CEO Matshela Seshibe on special leave, with chief legal officer Koekie Mbeki stepping in as acting CEO while an internal process runs. Water woes in Joburg: Melville residents protested after days without water, with sewage overflow reported and Johannesburg Water data cited as showing how the area has been hit hardest. DStv Premium squeeze: MultiChoice is removing four more channels from DStv Premium from September 16, adding to earlier cuts and raising fresh concerns about subscriber value. SADC integration push: President Ramaphosa urged SADC to turn integration plans into real jobs and livelihoods, warning that anti-immigrant sentiment at home undermines regional unity. UN-Habitat partnership: South Africa and UN-Habitat will launch a new country office in Tshwane to strengthen housing and sustainable urban development cooperation. Cape Town crime reward: The City of Cape Town is offering up to R10,000 for tips that lead to arrests or confiscations, via hotline and its Citizen Safety app.

Retail Pulse: South Africa’s retail trade sales grew 3.7% in real terms in 2025, but the momentum has been uneven—up 4.2% in Jan 2026, easing to 1.6% in Feb, then rising 2.6% in March. Fuel Watch: Mid-month Central Energy Fund data points to petrol rising by 63–74c/l and diesel up to R2.89/l, keeping a September hike on the cards as Middle East tensions squeeze oil markets. Jobs Pressure: Unemployment climbed to 33.6% in Q2 2026 (8.5m jobless), with employment slightly down, while economists say growth must lift to absorb people into work. Police Tech Delays: SAPS body-worn cameras still have no rollout timeline after SITA had to restart procurement, with KZN officers yet to receive cameras. Mining & Industry: Exxaro is partnering with Stellenbosch Business School, GIBS and Henley to build leadership for mining and renewables; Dunlop completed a R1.7bn Ladysmith plant upgrade. Transport: Uber has paused its motorcycle “Moto” service in SA. Politics & Economy: Parties at the Black Business Council backed a 4%–5% growth target to tackle unemployment.

Youth Unemployment & Skills: Barloworld Equipment and Caterpillar’s Technicians for the World programme hosted Cat Technicians for the World graduates in Isando, aiming to plug youth unemployment with hands-on technical pathways. Energy Transition Support: Cape Town will get GIZ technical assistance under SAGEN 5 to modernise electricity planning and build capacity alongside its R6bn grid resilience upgrades. Renewables Supply Chain Pressure: Industry warns that abrupt import tariff hikes could raise equipment costs and disrupt local renewable manufacturing, threatening SAREM timelines. Hydrogen vs Storage: Blockpower says battery storage can complement hydrogen, but hydrogen is key for longer-duration needs as utilities face reliability constraints. Grid Connection for IPPs: Siemens is helping IPPs connect to the grid by localising assembly of switchgear aligned to SAREM’s localisation goals. Food + Circular Economy: SAYA and AGAMA Biogas pilot school food gardens, biogas production and rainwater harvesting at Skeen Primary in Sandton to cut waste and support youth skills. Coalitions Bill Stalled: The Coalitions Bill may miss the November 2026 local election window, leaving voters “blind” on coalition governance rules. SADC Summit Focus: South Africa’s SADC chairship kicks off with a Durban summit aimed at resilient, inclusive industrialisation and regional integration. Banking: Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala says growth will come from intense client focus, with strong H1 earnings momentum. SASSA Disruption: Payment delays are hitting pensioners hard, with knock-on effects on insurance cover and rent penalties. CPUT Protests: Violent student unrest at CPUT left a security official in ICU as students challenge the 2027 financial recovery plan. Illegal Mining Case: A court found no proof linking survivors to illegal mining, while new laws target zama-zamas with heavy penalties. Cash-in-Transit Risk: CIT robberies remain volatile, with Gauteng the most targeted province. Old Mutual Returns to Zimbabwe: Old Mutual relisted on the US-dollar VFEX after six years, seeking clearer valuation and reduced currency risk.

Infrastructure & Industry Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s R1-trillion infrastructure programme over the next three years must be the base for a new industrial era, linking transmission, rail, ports and water projects to factory-building, skills and supply-chain growth. Tourism & Travel Tech: Home Affairs launched South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), already processing 216,204 applications and rejecting 6,126 fraudulent ones, with short-stay ETA becoming progressively compulsory. Public Finance & Jobs: Standard Bank posted record R26.1bn half-year headline earnings, lifting its interim dividend and citing tighter costs and lower credit impairments. Conservation Funding: SANBI is seeking R741m for infrastructure upgrades at Kirstenbosch Gardens and Pilanesberg to protect conservation, tourism and community benefits. Migration & Deportation Costs: South Africa asked other African governments to reimburse deportation costs for 80,000+ undocumented migrants, as xenophobic violence and raids continue to strain budgets and relations. City Life & Transport: Johannesburg’s taxi sector gets a boost with a new MOU between Gibela Namela Holdings and Jozi My Jozi aimed at safer, cleaner and better-run minibus taxi ranks. Governance & Media: The DA escalated concerns over appointments to the NFVF Council, referring alleged political patronage to the Public Protector. Crime & Security Scrutiny: Analysis flags that criminal links in private security firms raise questions about firearms management and oversight.

PIC Power Struggle: The Public Investment Corporation’s governance fight is back in the spotlight after the reinstated board and CEO Patrick Dlamini addressed shareholders following a court setback—while questions linger over how whistleblower allegations will be handled. Waste Crisis in Joburg: Pikitup is in deep financial distress, with shortages of trucks, staff and cash hitting service delivery and raising the risk of more disruption for residents. Water Security Pressure: South Africa’s National Water Action Plan is rolling out through Watercom, with a focus on fixing municipal failures, unlocking investment and cracking down on corruption—at a time when dry taps are becoming routine. ConCourt on Phala Phala: The Constitutional Court refused to fast-track ATM and other applicants’ bid to challenge the interim stop on Ramaphosa’s impeachment inquiry, keeping the process tied up in review litigation. Immigration & Travel Tech: Home Affairs launched a new Electronic Travel Authorisation system at OR Tambo for eligible travellers from four countries, aiming to speed up entry and tighten border integrity. Trade Talks Momentum: India and SACU signed terms of reference to negotiate a Preferential Trade Agreement, targeting a deal within a year and focusing on selected sectors. Education Funding Gap: NSFAS warned of a R15bn student-funding shortfall, citing a structural mismatch between qualifying students and available allocations. Shoprite Growth Boost: Sixty60 sales jumped about 35%, helping lift Shoprite momentum as the retailer leans further into delivery and store expansion. Migration Repatriation Costs: Parliament heard Home Affairs spent about R292m on repatriations—far above the R60m budget—after letters were sent to Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia seeking reimbursement. Kirstenbosch Under Scrutiny: Parliament pressed SANBI over the decline at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, after investigations and public concern escalated.

Unemployment Shock: Stats SA’s Q2 2026 Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows unemployment at 33.6% (up 0.9pp), with 345,000 more people jobless to 8.5 million—while Cape Town shed jobs and KZN/eThekwini held up better. Minimum Wage Pressure: Living Wage South Africa Network says the 2027 minimum wage is “far” from a decent life, arguing the current R30.23/hour leaves workers exposed to emergencies; public submissions close 4 Sept. Fuel Price Buffer: National Treasury approved an extra R10bn to the Central Energy Fund to cushion fuel price shocks after Middle East-driven volatility, with MPs questioning why money moved before parliamentary sign-off. Eskom Fight: NUM is preparing court action against Ramaphosa’s Eskom restructuring plan, warning an independent transmission system operator could erode public control and jobs. Labour Crackdown: Authorities are running high-impact blitz inspections (6,317 inspectors) targeting illegal employment and permit issues, including findings of workers without valid permits. Cape Town Transport: The City says it’s not ready for congestion charges, but it is pushing CBD traffic cuts via travel demand measures and public transport priority. MyCiTi Protected: A Western Cape High Court interdict shields MyCiTi Cape Flats expansion from extortion and interference. BRICS Payments Push: RBI Governor Malhotra says BRICS is exploring links between fast payment systems and CBDCs to cut cross-border costs. PIC Governance: Business Leadership SA says PIC needs a governance overhaul after a court ruling highlighted ministerial control over CEO suspension powers. MTN Earnings Watch: MTN expects weaker H1 profits due to a hit to its Irancell investment value, though core operations in other markets remain resilient.

BRICS Bank Expansion: Iran’s central bank governor says Iran is set to join the BRICS New Development Bank, with BRICS members expected to keep pushing trade in national currencies ahead of the September summit. Supply-Chain Tech in Africa: Logistics digitisation is accelerating, but mainly because manual, disconnected systems can’t cope with rising order volumes, tighter costs and demand for real-time visibility. SA Governance Costs: Auditor-General figures put South Africa’s unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful spending at R1.377-trillion over five years, highlighting compliance without delivery. Unemployment Pressure: Stats SA shows unemployment at 33.6% in Q2, with 8.5m jobless people and youth hit hardest. Illegal Mining Tragedy: A mine dump collapse near Rustenburg killed 14 suspected illegal miners, with more people feared trapped. Municipal Service Failures: Nelson Mandela Bay’s water and electricity losses and low collection rates show how weak billing and leaks keep municipalities stuck. Education Budget Strain: Gauteng spends over R230m a year on rented district education offices while schools face subsidy cuts. Finance & Markets: Absa secures a secondary listing for its NewWave Silver ETN on Namibia’s NSX, extending silver exposure to Namibian investors. Energy & Crime Link: Cold weather and electricity supply strain add to a broader environment of economic stress and public frustration.

Jobs Watch: South Africa’s official unemployment rate jumped to 33.6% in Q2 2026, up from 32.7% in Q1, with unemployed people rising by 345,000 to 8.5 million while employment fell slightly to 16.7 million. Labour Market Pressure: Youth unemployment worsened, and Stats SA also flagged broader labour underutilisation staying high. Education & Funding: NSFAS’ housing cap is blamed for campus budget strain, with metro students hit hardest as costs outpace the fixed limits. Public Sector Tech: Home Affairs says it cut system downtime by 61% in 2025/26 after digital reforms. Energy & Investment: Ramokgopa says a China mission is yielding concrete transmission supply commitments, including local transformer, wire and pylon manufacturing. Payments Overhaul: The SARB will take direct control of key national payment system oversight functions from PASA, with operations shifting to PayInc. Business Signals: Advtech expects earnings growth while Italtile warns of weaker demand and profit pressure. Transport & Connectivity: Amazon’s Leo satellite internet is set to enter SA via Herotel in 2027. Local Governance: Analysts say the upcoming municipal elections may become a test of delivery, not party ideology.

Joburg transparency fight: The Legal Resources Centre has filed a PAIA application demanding the City of Johannesburg release engineering and safety reports behind the Metro Centre closure, after claims that about two million planning records were dumped in the basement—leaving property transfers and bond registrations stuck. Prasa corruption pressure: The SIU’s asset-freezing move in the R5.6bn Siyangena/Prasa Siyangena scandal is being framed as a test for whether the NPA will finally prosecute the long-running State Capture-era case. Health procurement row: The health department defends its drug-buying approach after Pharmisa told parliament local manufacturers lost 2,500 jobs, arguing price pressure is squeezing local tender share. AARTO compliance for fleets: Businesses are being warned that under AARTO they must identify the correct driver for offences or face up to triple fines and possible demerit points. Xenophobia diplomacy: Nigeria’s House of Representatives backs diplomatic engagement over calls for tougher action, while South Africa’s consul-general reassures Nigerians that travel remains open for tourism and business. Insurance fraud focus: The Insurance Crime Bureau says organised fraud costs insurers about R35bn a year in short-term claims, pushing for tighter industry-law enforcement data sharing. Women’s leadership spotlight: A feature highlights how women are increasingly leading South Africa’s public universities, with leaders describing the extra hurdles they faced to reach the top. Energy transition and mining: SADC and partners are pushing responsible mining and local value chains for critical minerals, linking it to industrialisation and a “just” energy transition. Markets: Gold-led gains lifted the JSE, while MTN shares have slid further after a late-July dip, raising questions about growth momentum.