Interest Rates & Cost of Living: The Reserve Bank kept the repo rate at 7% despite June inflation hitting 5%, offering short-term relief but warning growth risks remain and transport/fuel pressures could keep prices sticky. Rand & Markets: The rand slid after the unexpected hold, with economists reading September as the next likely flashpoint. Municipal Dysfunction & Growth: Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said failing municipalities are weighing on economic recovery, making rate policy no substitute for fixing services. Port of Cape Town & Logistics: Transnet launched a bidding process for a 25-year concession to redevelop a multi-purpose terminal at the Port of Cape Town, aiming to cut bottlenecks and boost throughput. Digital Connectivity: MTN committed R150m to expand 4G/5G coverage and modernise more than 1,000 towers across the North West. Cape Town Culture & Books: Somerset West and Strand host the 2026 Indie Authors Rise Up Book Festival in August, with open-access events for local writers. Western Cape Nature Rules: CapeNature warned tourists that “small” off-trail and permit-bypassing behaviour adds up to serious biodiversity harm. Xenophobia & Regional Fallout: Former President Kgalema Motlanthe and Ghana’s President John Mahama renewed calls for dialogue and AU action as anti-migrant violence continues to strain relations. Arts Memorial: South Africa marked the life of veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi with a major public memorial.