Municipal Finance Crackdown: National Treasury has temporarily withheld July 2026 equitable share transfers to 69 municipalities over persistent unauthorised and irregular spending, with SALGA warning the real issue is deeper structural fiscal problems that can’t be solved by compliance alone. Food Prices Under the Microscope: The SAHRC has started the second leg of its probe into the food system, focusing on how prices are set, affordability and market concentration after earlier hearings showed millions of households struggling to eat. Fuel-Price Reform Push: Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says permanent fuel-price reform is back on the agenda, pointing to levies and pricing distortions that keep costs high for households. Ghana-South Africa Diplomatic Rift: Ghana has postponed Ramaphosa’s state visit, citing xenophobic violence and the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen, while both sides trade protests and explanations. Local Governance Watch: Johannesburg’s Moody’s rating was retained at Ba3 with a positive outlook, even as governance weaknesses remain in the spotlight. Big Business in SA: ADNOC Distribution is set to buy Shell’s South African downstream fuel stations in a $1bn deal, signalling fresh competition in the retail fuel market. Cape Town Culture: Time Out’s 2026 “most beautiful cities” list puts Cape Town at the top of the continent’s rankings.