AGP Executive Report

Starlink Licensing: Communications Minister Solly Malatsi says Starlink has not submitted any licence applications to ICASA and that the department has had no engagement with SpaceX—raising fresh questions about how the tech giant plans to enter SA’s telecoms market. Food & Tourism Buzz: Five South African restaurants earned global recognition in international awards, spotlighting Cape Town and the wider local dining scene as a serious contender on the world stage. Workplace Tragedy: The Cartrack and Gcina Dhladhla case is still sparking outrage, with the family and company asking for calm after they reached a “measure of understanding” ahead of her funeral, while investigations continue. BNPL Regulation Push: South Africa’s buy now, pay later players are calling for formal regulation as the Reserve Bank warns BNPL could worsen over-indebtedness by allowing multiple obligations with lighter affordability checks. Insurance Access Gap: Low insurance uptake in East Africa is pushing insurers toward retail and digital distribution, with Jubilee Holdings signalling a stronger retail insurance push. Ports & Trade: Durban was ranked the world’s most improved port in World Bank/S&P reporting, pointing to recovery momentum at Transnet-linked operations. Youth Day Lens: HSRC dialogue reflects on how youth activism has shifted since 1976—from open repression to today’s battles against bureaucracy, inequality and exclusion. Fraud & Banking Risk: A Belgium court ruling on banking fraud could reshape how victims are treated, with implications for SA’s ongoing banking fraud debate. Immigration Politics: A political panel and multiple reports keep spotlighting South Africa’s heated immigration debate, border management and the political incentives behind anti-migrant mobilisation.

World Cup & sport-business: Mexico kicked off FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a chaotic opener marked by three red cards, while the tournament schedule for SA’s next matches was published. Migration & social cohesion: The UN country team in South Africa urged calm as reports of violence and hate speech against migrants continue, warning leaders to de-escalate and uphold the rule of law. Small business pressure: A new SME Confidence Index says small businesses benefited more from improved electricity supply than from the festive season, with Black Friday gains proving uneven as costs and constrained spending bite. Spaza shop enforcement: Communities are pushing back over spaza shop ownership and licensing enforcement, with concerns about foreign-owned shops and compliance delays still simmering. Energy & inflation watch: Analysts expect an oil-price-driven inflation bump in Namibia and South Africa after the Strait of Hormuz shock, though they say it may be temporary. Tech/finance: Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s record IPO, but the wealth is largely paper value tied to market sentiment. Tourism: Cape Town Tourism won three Gold awards at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa, boosting the city’s destination marketing profile. Education & wellbeing: A report warns addiction-related risks are increasingly undermining student success in South Africa’s higher education sector.

Energy Transition & Finance: DBSA says South Africa needs more bankable energy projects, stronger transmission and blended finance as it pushes a bigger role for the AEF in Cape Town (June 16–19), while Standard Bank highlights policy and cost-efficiency gains driving private renewable offtake deals. Grid & Market Reform: South Africa’s electricity sector is decentralising, and experts warn grid expansion and management are now critical for reliability. Battery Storage Deal: Mulilo has reached financial close on a 77MW/308MWh Hartebeesfontein BESS near Klerksdorp, backed by Absa, Standard Bank and Nedbank, with a 15-year PPA for ancillary services. Fuel Price Relief Watch: Early data suggests motorists could get some fuel price relief in July, but risks remain tied to Middle East volatility and the return of extra levies. Car & Consumer Tech: BYD cut the entry price for its plug-in hybrid Atto 2 DM-i to R449,900, positioning it as SA’s cheapest PHEV; meanwhile, Global NCAP/AA crash tests flagged safety gaps in entry-level Kia Sonet and GWM Jolion variants. Immigration & Xenophobia: Ramaphosa will engage neighbours over the illegal migration crisis as Nigeria repatriates hundreds of citizens and threatens possible retaliation; South Africa’s proposed Employment Services Amendment Bill also raises the stakes for employers’ document checks. Local Business Confidence: SACCI’s Business Confidence Index edged up between April and May, supported by vehicle sales and exports, but tourism and inflation concerns linger. City Governance: Joburg mayor Dada Morero faces scrutiny over the city’s financial woes, including a write-off of R45.16bn in unauthorised spending. Housing & Education: UJ students protest accommodation top-ups tied to NSFAS allowances, while Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela reassures that pre-2009 qualifications remain valid. Mining Sustainability: Valterra Platinum says sustainability is now central to competitiveness, linking PGMs demand to hydrogen and emission-reduction technologies. World Cup Business Angle: FIFA’s tournament kicks off with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0, with ticket-price and visa controversies still in the background.

Xenophobia Fallout: A first group of 262 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa landed in Lagos after weeks of anti-foreigner attacks; Nigeria’s foreign ministry said 262 were flown out, while South Africa put the figure at 268. Return Support: NiDCOM says returnees received packages including MTN cash and airtime (N100,000 plus N50,000 airtime), Imo State donations of N1m per indigene, plus transport and identity help. Local Governance & Accountability: In Johannesburg, SCOPA and COGTA warned City of Joburg officials not to treat debt regularisation or write-offs as a fix, questioning how R45bn was regularised over five years without proper accountability. Trade & Jobs Pressure: South Africa’s current account surplus hit R190bn in Q1 (best in five years) as exports outpaced imports, while household resilience remains fragile: formal jobs (12.1m) barely outnumber unemployment (12m). Skills Reform: Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela outlined the shift from older pre-2009 qualifications to occupational qualifications to better match workplace needs. World Cup Business Angle: Chery pledged R500,000 for grassroots football and extra funding per Bafana goal as South Africa opens the 2026 tournament against Mexico.

World Cup business pulse: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today with Mexico vs South Africa, but the opening ceremony is shadowed by visa denials and entry hurdles for fans and officials, while South Africa’s Tyla is set to perform the national anthem in Mexico City. Energy & risk management: South Africa moves to strengthen fuel security with a draft Strategic Petroleum Stocks policy targeting 60 days of net imports, and an energy intelligence startup (Florion) launches to help firms manage the new mix of grid power, solar and traded energy. Migration & xenophobia fallout: Thousands of Malawians are sheltering in Durban after anti-immigrant threats, while SAPS in KZN denies protests turned violent ahead of the 30 June shutdown. Crime and illegal mining links: Police say 12 people were killed and at least nine injured in a Johannesburg mass shooting in Cleveland, with investigators probing possible ties to illegal mining violence. Markets & macro: SARB warns rising debt in developed economies could threaten global financial stability, and gold slips as geopolitical risk and rate expectations shift investor behaviour. Banking resilience: BDO says SA’s Tier 1 banks are stronger, shifting earnings toward fees and non-interest income as the rate cycle changes. Transport admin crackdown: RTMC plans to replace licence discs with number-plate scanning to curb fraud in vehicle licensing. Health & society: More young South Africans are registering for blood stem cell donations, boosting hope for blood cancer patients.

World Cup Business: Airbnb is offering 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket giveaways with select bookings as Mexico take on South Africa in the tournament opener on June 11. Security & Crime: Police have launched a manhunt after 12 people were killed and nine injured in a late-night mass shooting at Johannesburg’s Cleveland informal settlement, with motive still under investigation. Banking & Tech: Johannesburg hosts the 28th Connected Banking Summit – Southern Africa 2026 on July 8, focusing on intelligent banking, security and enterprise digital modernisation. Energy & Inflation Watch: SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago warns South Africa’s financial system could face pressure as oil prices rise, inflation accelerates and global conditions tighten. Migration Policy: Government unveiled a “Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management” to tighten border security and crack down on undocumented migration, identity fraud and corruption. Consumer Protection: The Advertising Regulatory Board ruled a Jetour TV advert misleading for not disclosing key financing terms behind “from R4,999 per month.” Trade & Agriculture: South Africa’s agricultural trade surplus hit a record R25.5bn in Q1 2026, while steel and the wider industrial base were flagged as being at a deindustrialisation “inflection point.” Local Economy: City of Johannesburg says foreign nationals are occupying prime inner-city business spaces illegally, costing JOSHCO millions in lost rent. Transport Safety: New SaferCarsForAfrica crash tests show poor safety outcomes in entry-level models, with AA urging extreme caution when buying.

Joburg Crime Shock: Police say at least 12 people were killed and nine injured in a mass shooting in the Cleveland informal settlement, with a manhunt under way for more than 10 suspects. Youth Jobs & Skills: Youth Month coverage highlights that opportunities exist, but many young people struggle to find them and access learnerships and training, while youth unemployment remains stubbornly high. SME Growth Shift: Lula’s SME Pulse says South African SMEs are moving from survival to more disciplined, growth-focused decisions in 2026, helped by easing inflation and steadier affordability. Labour Compliance Crackdown: Cape Town’s construction sector faces intensified enforcement after a multi-agency operation found 79 undocumented foreign nationals on a CBD site, with work suspended and arrests linked. Tax Season Prep: SARS confirms 2026 filing dates, with auto assessments running 1–12 July and other categories following from 13 July. Markets Watch: The rand held steady as traders weigh US-Iran tensions and upcoming US inflation data; economists also flag Middle East conflict as a risk to SA’s growth outlook. Corporate Moves: Old Mutual strengthens leadership with external appointments across Life, OM Bank and Insure. Cyber & Fraud Risk: Africa lost an estimated $57.8bn to scams and cyber fraud in 2025, and South African banks face rising accountability pressure. Energy & Industry: IGUA-SA warns of a looming “gas cliff” when Sasol limits Mozambique gas to Secunda from June 2028, threatening major industrial jobs and output. Circular Economy Push: The SA Plastics Pact launched its 2030 targets, bringing retailers, brands and recyclers together with government to drive packaging circularity.

South Africa GDP watch: Stats SA says the economy grew 0.5% in Q1 2026 for a sixth straight quarter, with finance and agriculture leading, but manufacturing still contracted and economists warn Middle East-driven fuel and interest-rate pressure could cool momentum. Johannesburg finances: The City of Joburg defended its R97.1bn 2026/27 budget at SCOPA, saying it will hit revenue targets using smarter debt-collection tech, while DA MPs questioned whether the plan is realistic. Joburg politics at SCOPA: Mayor Dada Morero blamed former mayor Herman Mashaba for revenue decline and “weak leadership,” as parties traded barbs over audit findings and governance. E-tolls closed: Outa and Cosatu welcomed cabinet’s scrapping of e-toll debt, saying it should have happened sooner, while noting payers won’t get refunds. Housing opportunity: A local financier argues the “gap market” for affordable homes is worth over R2tn, but says the market is “badly designed” and capital won’t flow without clearer, enforceable rules. Migration and xenophobia: Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister condemned attacks on Nigerians in SA and warned of possible retaliation as regional repatriations continue. World Cup business buzz: With the tournament starting this week, SA’s opening match against Mexico is set to drive watch-party and tourism activity, while FIFA planning headaches remain in the background. Meta and data: Meta says it will use activity shared by other businesses to personalize feeds and AI chatbot responses, expanding beyond ads.

Energy Transition & Business Costs: An opinion piece argues electricity wheeling is becoming the “silent winner” of South Africa’s energy transition, making offsite renewables more accessible as storage improves reliability and bankability. HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa has started rolling out lenacapavir, a highly effective twice-yearly injectable prevention drug, with free supply at 360 government clinics across six provinces. Telecom & Streaming Payments: MTN launched One TV, a streaming platform that lets users pay with airtime or mobile money, aiming to compete with global and local video services. Agriculture Trade: Agri SA reports a record $1.55bn agricultural trade surplus in Q1, driven mainly by lower import costs and strong horticulture exports. Education Accountability: An ELRC audit found 22,000 teacher payroll record mismatches and hundreds of thousands of undocumented learners, pushing for provincial action. Local Economy & Jobs: A free ACCESS70 workplace boot camp in Johannesburg (June 19–26) targets unemployed graduates to bridge the gap into sectors with skills shortages. Johannesburg Services: City cemeteries are near capacity, with residents urged toward cremation and alternative burial options as only five sites remain active. Immigration Tensions: ActionSA calls Ramaphosa’s immigration address “weak and reactionary,” while protests continue ahead of the June 30 deadline.

Xenophobia & migration enforcement: South Africa’s Ramaphosa urged stricter action against illegal migration while rejecting xenophobia and vigilantism, as anti-migrant protests continued around Johannesburg and Ghana and Mozambique stepped up repatriations. Nigeria-South Africa fallout: Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister said retaliation against South Africa is “under consideration” after attacks on Nigerians, while Nigeria prepares evacuation flights. Rand & global markets: The rand bounced after Fitch upgraded South Africa’s sovereign credit rating for the first time in nearly 21 years, but Middle East tensions kept currency volatility high. Industrial policy: The dtic unveiled an Industrial Development Strategy built around “3Ds” (decarbonisation, diversification, digitalisation) to fight deindustrialisation and scale energy and transmission. Retail demand: NielsenIQ reported FMCG sales grew above inflation in Q1, with snacking driving volume gains. Energy costs (local): A Cape Town electricity tariff switch helped a church cut bills by about R30,000 a year, highlighting how businesses and faith groups may be on the wrong tariff. Housing in Cape Town: The Salt River Market redevelopment was handed over for 970 inner-city affordable units, with concerns raised about evictions and impacts on vulnerable residents. Corporate news: CBIZ completed its acquisition of India-based BINDZ Consulting, expanding its global services footprint. Legal & governance: A Pretoria court affirmed that the international airline licensing body doesn’t have to apply BEE criteria in its decisions. Tech & work: A consultancy warned many AI projects stumble after launch because companies focus on tools, not how people work.

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.

Migration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged weaknesses in South Africa’s immigration management and promised tougher action on undocumented foreigners, including harsher penalties for employers who hire illegal migrants, while warning anti-immigrant groups not to incite violence or take law into their own hands. Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana’s evacuation drive continues to land in Accra, with the latest batch of 342 returnees completing a total of 979 evacuees; Ghana says screening found no criminal links, while South Africa cautioned Ghana against “public spectacles” around repatriations. Business & Security: Criminal syndicates are targeting high-value home items—solar panels, gas bottles and outdoor lighting—raising the stakes for property owners already under pressure from crime. Transport Costs: Cabinet approved the write-off of all outstanding Gauteng e-toll debt, ending years of GFIP uncertainty for motorists and closing remaining litigation. SRD Warning: SASSA urged SRD beneficiaries to update banking details fast, warning that unresolved payment failures can lead to permanent cancellation of the R370 grant. Energy Deal: Eskom and Zululand Energy Terminal signed a Heads of Agreement to advance gas-to-power infrastructure, supporting Eskom’s planned 3,000MW programme. Local Loss: Cape Town and Gugulethu mourned Mzoli Ngcawuzele (“Ta Mzo”), the entrepreneur behind Mzoli’s Place, a township tourism icon.

Xenophobia & Repatriation: Ghana’s foreign affairs minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says evacuated citizens from South Africa will get help reintegrating, including job facilitation, after a second batch of 345 returnees landed in Accra; South Africa also warned Ghana against “public spectacles” during evacuations as tensions with migrants, including Zimbabweans, continue to flare. Nigeria Evacuation Plans: Nigeria’s screening for citizens in South Africa is nearing completion, with officials saying a final number cleared for evacuation will guide aircraft deployment as more than 1,000 Nigerians register amid renewed attacks. Credit & Markets: Fitch upgraded South Africa’s sovereign rating from BB- to BB for the first time in about 21 years, citing fiscal consolidation and improved debt profile—though analysts warn the country still faces growth and debt constraints. HIV Prevention Rollout: President Ramaphosa announced a R1.3bn push to roll out Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, as South Africa targets its massive HIV burden. Business & Crime: A Durban-area “nude scam” on Facebook allegedly extorted thousands from eight men, highlighting rising online fraud risks. Sports Finance: FIFA Club Benefits payments will put Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at least R51.2m each for releasing players for the 2026 World Cup.

Sovereign Credit Boost: South Africa got its first Fitch ratings upgrade in nearly 21 years, with the government welcoming the move as a sign of improving fiscal discipline and stabilising public finances. Crime & Enforcement: SARS seized about 90 bricks of suspected cocaine hidden in imported excavation equipment at Durban Port, handing the case to the Hawks/SAPS for investigation. Banking Fallout: Absa faced investor backlash after shareholders voted strongly against a hefty CEO exit-linked pay package, forcing engagement with dissenting investors. Governance Probe: The SIU secured an urgent order to seize a Bentley tied to alleged corruption at Tembisa Hospital, as part of a wider Gauteng health procurement investigation. Labour Market Pressure: The National Skills Fund suspended a R354m engineering internship programme, leaving around 800 young South Africans facing an uncertain future. Cross-border Tensions: Nigeria’s government is moving to the next phase of evacuating Nigerians from South Africa after screening, amid renewed safety concerns. Retail Turnaround: TFG said it will close more than 100 underperforming stores as profits fall, despite revenue growth. Capital Markets: Canal+ has listed on the JSE via a fast-track inward listing after its MultiChoice takeover, giving rand-based access to the group’s Africa-focused subscriber base. Regional Trade Links: Dubai Chambers discussed deeper trade and investment cooperation with Lesotho in Johannesburg, highlighting logistics and digital economy opportunities.

Sovereign Credit Boost: Fitch upgraded South Africa’s long-term ratings to BB from BB-, the first upgrade in nearly 21 years, citing stronger fiscal discipline, widening primary surpluses, better revenue collection and reforms in energy and logistics. Healthcare & HIV Prevention: South Africa officially rolled out Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, starting at 360 public facilities across six provinces, aiming to reach three million people over three years with support from the Global Fund and CIFF. Migration Tensions in the Economy: Johannesburg saw a crackdown on undocumented migrants amid renewed xenophobic violence, while Nigeria and Mozambique reported repatriation efforts for citizens fleeing attacks, raising business and labour-market concerns. World Cup Cyber Scams: With the tournament starting soon, South African fans are warned about phishing, fake ticket resales and QR/transport scams targeting both travellers abroad and at home. Film Incentives Under Fire: Calls are growing to overhaul South Africa’s film and TV rebate incentive after complaints about complex rules and long payment backlogs. Pay Gap Disclosure Law: New Companies Act changes make pay-gap reporting mandatory, forcing listed firms to disclose top-to-bottom remuneration ratios. Energy & Grid Separation: Eskom is reportedly hiring consultants to assess the funding and credit impact of separating transmission assets, after earlier unbundling plans faced political pushback.

JSE & Retail: Mr Price shares jumped about 14.7% to R172 after resilient earnings and market-share gains, though management warned renewed food and fuel inflation and a reversal in the interest-rate cut cycle could still weigh on consumer recovery. Credit Ratings: Fitch upgraded South Africa’s long-term credit rating to BB from BB-, citing prudent fiscal management and improving debt dynamics, its first upgrade in nearly 21 years. HIV Prevention: President Ramaphosa officially launched Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, aiming to reach 3 million people over three years, with rollout starting at 360 public facilities. Migration & Xenophobia: Anti-migrant violence continues to trigger regional fallout, with Nigeria starting screening for voluntary repatriation of over 1,000 citizens from South Africa, after similar moves by Ghana; business groups and officials are urging calm and cooperation. Student Housing: NSFAS was given a 30 June deadline to announce 2026 accommodation rates, with providers warning delays could push the sector into crisis. Regional Trade & Health: SADC adopted legal instruments to boost trade, tourism and pooled medicine procurement, including a tourism univisa and a pharmaceuticals pooled procurement charter. Local Governance & Corruption: Sanral responded to allegations of a “R9.5bn tender storm,” saying historic irregular expenditure has been resolved and disclosed.