AGP Executive Report

Bafana Bafana Coaching Shake-up: SAFA has officially brought Pitso Mosimane back as head coach, with the job now focused on AFCON 2027 qualifying and other national-team duties—though Mosimane says an assistant coach is still being finalised. Energy Costs Watch: NERSA approved a maximum Sasol gas price of R97.31 per gigajoule for the 2026/27 first quarter, while also keeping a quarterly adjustment mechanism in place and tightening safeguards on big increases. Gas Dividend Disappointment: Sasol reported higher earnings but withheld a dividend, citing net debt still above its $3 billion distribution ceiling. Crime and Police Accountability: Police Safety Month kicks off with fresh details on officers killed in the line of duty, while a Delft constable faces corruption charges after a case docket went missing. Public Safety and Health: Woolworths recalled its WBeauty clarifying shampoo over possible bacterial contamination, and SA Weather Service warned of colder, wetter, windier conditions ahead with severe storms possible. Sports—T20I Build-up: South Africa and Zimbabwe resume their tri-series momentum in Windhoek with squad changes, including a Zimbabwe bowling reshuffle and South Africa adding an extra bowler. Culture & Community: Open Book Festival returns in Cape Town (4–6 Sept) with dozens of events and African-focused storytelling.

Road Safety: Ten learners were injured when a scholar transport veered off the road and crashed into an embankment in Wyebank, Pinetown, with SAPS investigating. Cape Town Energy: The City of Cape Town signed two 20-year power deals for 70MW from independent solar producers, aiming to cut electricity costs by about 19–21% versus Eskom. Sport—Cricket: Australia dropped South African-born Marnus Labuschagne from its ODI squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa, while Rassie Erasmus named changes for the Springboks’ third All Blacks Test. Xenophobia Diplomacy: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima warned South Africa that Nigeria will no longer tolerate dehumanisation of Nigerians, taking the issue to the AU. Tourism & Culture: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance boosted tourism revenue to E1 billion, while a Cape Flats principal’s “sunflower strategy” highlights education hope beyond gangs and poverty. Economy & Food: AGRA says Africa’s food systems should be judged by what farmers earn, not just output. Fuel Prices: South African motorists face another hike, with petrol up by R1.34/litre and diesel rising by up to R3.15/litre.

Springboks vs All Blacks: Rassie Erasmus has named a refreshed Springboks side for the third Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test at FNB Stadium, with Cheslin Kolbe moving to fullback after Damian Willemse’s hamstring injury and Kurt-Lee Arendse returning to the starting XV; SASSA payments: Monday is the final day for beneficiaries to migrate from old Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards, or risk losing access to grant money during the 2–7 September payment period; Fuel shock: Petrol is set to rise by R1.34 a litre and diesel by up to R3.15 from Wednesday, driven by higher crude prices and rand moves; Cape Town safety debate: Airlink’s low-flying jets over Cape Town Stadium have reignited concerns about stunt safety, with the airline saying the flyby was planned and within regulations; Weather warning: A cut-off low is expected to bring cold, wet, windy conditions and disruptive rain to parts of the Western and Northern Cape, with possible flooding and damaging winds; Wits misinformation row: Wits University says a viral claim that foreigners make up 98% of its staff is fake, putting international employees at 9%; Corruption probe: The Hawks arrested a man linked to alleged fraud and money laundering at Tembisa Hospital involving R635m; Xenophobia diplomacy: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima says Nigeria will no longer tolerate dehumanisation of its citizens and calls for AU action over xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Aviation Safety Row: Cape Town’s DHL Stadium flyover by Airlink jets sparked outrage after videos showed aircraft flying just metres above the packed venue, with critics questioning whether safety margins were met despite the airline’s assurances. Anti-Corruption Push: The Hawks are tightening the net in the Tembisa Hospital fraud probe, arresting a suspect at OR Tambo after an overseas trip, with charges linked to alleged RFQ manipulation and money laundering. Procurement Impunity Exposed: An editorial highlights fresh claims around a Gauteng land deal, pointing to a large “facilitation fee” and alleged backroom enrichment as another sign of entrenched rot in public procurement. ICJ Gaza Update: Pretoria submitted evidence to an ICJ compliance committee, accusing Israel of defying binding genocide-related orders and calling for international action. Rugby Spotlight: Springboks-All Blacks fallout continues, with ticket-dispute complaints and debate over match-day tactics and squad changes. Cricket Injury Blow: Kagiso Rabada is ruled out of Australia ODIs and faces a race to be fit for the Tests after a hamstring injury. Business & Tech: Scooters Pizza targets 20 stores by November; Samsung adds QR “Scan to Pay” to South African digital wallets. Sports Culture: Paramount says Nato markets are “opened” for its defence vehicles as European spending shifts.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: South Africa levelled the series with a 33-26 win over the All Blacks in Cape Town, with Rassie Erasmus’ late front-row switch and Cheslin Kolbe’s boot proving decisive. Aviation safety debate: Viral footage and tracking claims showed Airlink jets flying extremely low over DHL Stadium, but the airline says the flypast was planned and stayed within approved limits. Cricket injury blow: Kagiso Rabada is ruled out of South Africa’s ODI tour of Australia with a hamstring injury, and his Test return from Oct 9 depends on rehab progress. More Proteas sidelined: Lutho Sipamla has also been ruled out of the Namibia–Zimbabwe T20I tri-series; Andile Simelane replaces him. Local crime watch: Cape Town still dominates the murder hotspots list, with 11 precincts in the national top 30 for murder and firearm-linked killings a major driver. Food and fishing probe: Authorities are investigating fresh reports of sardine deaths along the coast, with pilchard herpesvirus still the leading explanation. Human rights and justice: UWC honoured major changemakers with honorary doctorates, including figures linked to South Africa’s ICJ case on Gaza. Consumer warning: The National Consumer Commission warns retailers not to add extra charges just because customers pay by card.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: The Springboks bounced back to beat the All Blacks 33-26 in Cape Town and level the series 1-1, with Rassie Erasmus defending late front-row changes after Dave Rennie complained about scrums and “walking around.” Ticket chaos: SA Rugby says travel agencies acted “illegally and recklessly” after thousands of fans were left without tickets for the Cape Town Test, and it plans legal action. Flyover controversy: Airlink jets flew extremely low over DHL Stadium before kick-off, stunning fans and raising safety worries online. Food security gap: South Africa produces enough food, but millions still face hunger as an estimated 10.3 million tonnes is wasted yearly, with losses linked to handling and cold-chain failures. Cellphone revolution: Landlines are fading fast—by 2025 only 3.7% of households had no phones, and 93.8% had cellphones only—bringing services and jobs, but also scams and gambling harms. ICJ update: South Africa submitted a filing to the ICJ over Israel’s alleged non-compliance with provisional measures in the Gaza case. Nepal floods: A Durban woman, Terricia Govender, remains missing after flash floods in Nepal-Tibet, as families continue to wait for news. Women’s Month backlash: An international whisky brand withdrew a Women’s Month campaign after ANC and ministers accused it of using the 1956 Women’s March legacy to sell alcohol.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (Cape Town): The Springboks and All Blacks meet again in the second Test, with Siya Kolisi back as captain and Pieter-Steph du Toit set for his 100th cap, while New Zealand reshuffles after injury and concussion changes. Ticketing row: SARU says it’s taking legal action against unauthorised travel agencies after fans were left without tickets, rejecting claims that SA Rugby caused the problem. ICJ push on Gaza: South Africa has submitted a dossier to the International Court of Justice over Israel’s alleged non-compliance with binding provisional measures. Local governance: Joburg councillors approved a revised funeral assistance deal, cutting the proposed R100,000 payout to a smaller package. Gambling warning: With unemployment rising, the National Gambling Board urges people not to treat gambling as a financial lifeline, highlighting a Durban man’s addiction story. Wildlife in the city: Cape Town residents are asked to report African harrier-hawk sightings to help UCT researchers track how the birds adapt to urban life. Nepal floods: Faf du Plessis shared condolences for Nepal flood victims as the death toll climbs and thousands remain missing.

Rugby Greatest Rivalry: Springboks captain Siya Kolisi says the biggest respect they can show the All Blacks is to “go hard for 80 minutes” in Cape Town after New Zealand’s 33-16 win in Johannesburg. Cricket shock in Windhoek: Namibia beat South Africa by 18 runs in the T20I tri-series opener; Jan Frylinck top-scored with 60 and Dewald Brevis’ 75 couldn’t stop the Proteas finishing on 145/9. Hockey World Cup: Pakistan edged South Africa 4-3 on penalties after a 4-4 draw in the classification round, with goalkeeper Waqar making two crucial saves. Power & infrastructure: Eskom took Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 offline after a turbine trip; it says there’s no risk to the public and capacity remains available. Crime stats: Acting Minister Firoz Cachalia released first-quarter 2026/27 crime statistics, stressing the figures guide where interventions must be strengthened. Environment & water: Water and Sanitation wrapped consultations on proposed 2027/28 raw water use charges, while a Western Cape invasive alien plants clearing hackathon focused on safer green spaces. Tourism: Cape Town won two World Travel Awards Africa titles, including Leading City Destination and Leading Meetings & Conference Destination.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: Springboks make late Cape Town changes for Saturday’s second Test vs New Zealand, with Cheslin Kolbe back in and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu restored to the starting XV after Handré Pollard’s injury setback. Crime Update: Police report murder down 5.9% between April and June, with carjacking and several robberies also falling, but attempted murder and violence against vulnerable groups remain a concern as SAPS warns progress is slowing. VAT Court Fight: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana defends the power to adjust VAT as the Constitutional Court weighs a DA challenge over who controls the tax rate. Jet Fuel Watch: ACSA reassures travellers after an unplanned Natref shutdown, saying OR Tambo has 5–6 days of cover and contingency plans are ready if stocks drop. Infrastructure Push: Ramaphosa says project preparation has improved, helping fast-track Strategic Integrated Projects and reduce delays and cost blowouts. Women’s Month Safety: Cape Town’s inner city adds 1.1km of LED pedestrian lighting to make routes safer after dark. Nepal Floods: Names released of six South Africans missing after Nepal-Tibet flash floods, with search teams on standby. Sports & Society: Golden Gloves launches “Shaya Thursdays” grassroots boxing pathway, while Anaya Bangar and Marizanne Kapp trade barbs over transgender eligibility in women’s cricket.

Nepal–China Floods: Catastrophic floods on the Nepal–Tibet border have killed at least 389 people, with 1,400+ missing and hundreds of foreign tourists unaccounted for as rescue teams struggle with destroyed bridges and unstable slopes. Cape Town Power Watch: Eskom says Koeberg’s output at Unit 1 is back up to 70% after a safety reduction linked to dead sardines clogging seawater intake cooling pumps. All Blacks vs Springboks (Cape Town Test): New Zealand has shuffled its squad for the second Test, with Dave Rennie expecting both teams to be “better” and pushing back on scrum tactics after last weekend’s set-piece controversy. Retail in Townships: Clicks is launching a new KwaMakhi store format in Tembisa, aiming to win township shoppers with walk-to-home convenience and lower prices in a R900bn local market. Investor Pressure on Pay: Naspers shareholders again voted against the company’s executive remuneration policy, renewing scrutiny of how senior pay is structured. Energy Security Debate: Standard Bank warns South Africa faces a looming “Gas Cliff” and “Power Cliff” as Eskom assets age, arguing for gas import infrastructure to keep supply options open. Xenophobia Fallout in Culture: Malian singer Salif Keïta has cancelled South Africa festival appearances, citing reports of xenophobic violence against African migrants. Mining Court Fight: South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal cleared the way for the IDC to seize control of Daphne Mashile-Nkosi’s Kalagadi Manganese over a R6bn debt.

Rugby Rivalry: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has shuffled the squad for the second Test in Cape Town, with George Bower and Leroy Carter among the changes as he expects both teams to be “better” after last week’s result. Scrum Focus: Springbok prop Wilco Louw says South Africa must turn scrum dominance into points, after failing to cash in during the 33-16 loss at Ellis Park. Nepal Floods: South Africa’s missing list after the Nepal-Tibet flash floods has climbed to six, with the latest Nepal Tourism Board update putting total missing at 644 across 32 countries. Justice Watch: The Madlanga Commission is drawing comparisons with the Zondo Commission over cost and accountability, as debate grows over how to fix South Africa’s criminal justice system. Workplace Safety: A Sandton leadership dialogue marks two years of the Private Sector Coalition against GBV and harassment, warning that policies on paper aren’t enough if employees still fear speaking up. Mining & Industry: Harmony Gold reports strong FY26 underground performance, while Chery and Geely push deeper into South Africa’s local parts and electric bakkie market. Wildlife Crime: A Thai national was arrested at OR Tambo over alleged parrot egg smuggling, with investigations continuing.

Nepal–China Flash Flood Disaster: The death toll from the Nepal–Tibet border floods has climbed to 160, with 680+ people missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists; Nepal says 157 bodies recovered and 54 rescued, while China reports three dead and 265 missing as search teams race against mud-choked terrain. Local Safety and Crime: In North West, SAPS has launched a manhunt for a suspect accused of hacking three people to death with a spade, as investigators probe motive and urge the public not to confront him. Transport and Fuel Worries: South African airlines are making contingency plans for a possible jet fuel shortage after problems at the Natref refinery threatened supplies, with emergency talks involving energy and airport stakeholders. Port Disruption in Durban: A new operational crisis at the Port of Durban’s Gateway Terminal is causing major delays and cost pressure, prompting calls for urgent recovery action. Diplomacy and Trade: South Africa and Brazil reaffirmed their partnership at the Joint Commission in Pretoria, with Lamola stressing democracy as “a work in progress” and pushing deeper economic ties. Sports: Dean Elgar announced he will retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2026 County Championship season.

Nepal Floods: Nepal’s Tourism Board says 384 travellers are still missing after flash floods near the Nepal–Tibet border, including 291 foreigners; at least 31 people have died, with rescue teams battling damaged roads, bridges and communications. Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana has declined MTN Ghana’s GH¢20m offer to support victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying evacuation and reintegration funding is already in place; meanwhile, another 65 Nigerians are set to return home from South Africa under a private repatriation programme. Local Labour Pressure: SAFTU says it has run out of funds, leaving senior leaders unpaid and warning the crisis threatens its ability to organise workers. Higher Education Fraud Probe: The SIU told Parliament that fake qualifications, ghost students and rigged tenders have drained hundreds of millions in post-school education, including concerns around NSfas’s direct payment system. Business & Industry: Illovo warns South Africa’s revised DBRP for imported sugar is still delayed after Itac’s review, keeping the sector exposed to unfairly priced imports. Sports: Lille has signed South Africa left-back Thato Sibiya on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns; and Proteas T20I tri-series squad includes Duan Jansen, with Dewald Brevis calling Windhoek’s ground a chance to prove themselves.

Local Government Finances: A sharp editorial and analysis argue South Africa’s “wall-to-wall” municipal model is breaking down, with collapsing infrastructure, unpaid creditors and Eskom arrears now around R119bn, raising the question of whether municipalities are being treated as real governments or Pretoria’s outposts. ANC Election Promises: The ANC’s municipal manifesto pitches automatic indigent registration for social grant beneficiaries and “insourcing” to cut tenderpreneurs, but the editorial line is clear: promises only matter if implementation finally improves. Xenophobia and Migration: President Cyril Ramaphosa says external forces may be fuelling anti-migrant violence, while another 65 Nigerians are set to be repatriated from Johannesburg amid recent attacks; economists warn mass departures could hit remittances across the SADC region. Road Safety Push: Government has published draft tougher minimum safety standards for new cars, aiming to bring South Africa closer to international passive-safety norms. Sports—Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: Springboks and All Blacks head to Cape Town for the second Test as Siya Kolisi is cleared, while All Blacks flanker Anton Segner is ruled out for the rest of the tour after ankle surgery; Rassie Erasmus takes responsibility for tactical errors from the first Test. Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV across 22 countries netted 58 arrests and identified 263 suspects tied to West African cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering. Soccer—VAR Refund: Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie demands SAFA repay R30m over missed VAR rollout deadlines ahead of the PSL season.

US Health Policy: The NIH has lifted its near-18-month ban on working with South Africa, after an internal memo said “meritorious research” funding can resume—an about-turn that could ease pressure on HIV and TB studies. City Finance: Johannesburg’s budget is “disconnected from reality,” with unpaid bills jumping to almost R72bn and infrastructure investment collapsing, according to the CDE. Power Funding Debate: Ramaphosa and Dangote traded views on why Africa still struggles to finance power projects, with bankability, interest rates and currency risk at the centre. Football VAR Fallout: Sport minister Gayton McKenzie gave SAFA 21 days to explain stalled VAR funds (R13m/R30m figures disputed) or face a demand to return the money. Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV led to 58 arrests across 22 countries, including Johannesburg raids that seized $2.67m tied to romance and investment scams targeting retirees. Rand Moves: The rand pushed past R16/$ for the first time in months as investors returned to SA bonds and gold prices rose. SASSA Update: Athlone’s SASSA office is back to full operations after a security-guard strike, though queues remain heavy.

HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa is expanding access to twice-yearly Lenacapavir PrEP, with Gauteng receiving 28,593 new initiation packs to ease earlier shortages and support rollout to 133 health facilities. Local Service Delivery: Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber officially opened a new bookings-only office at Cape Town Civic Centre, aimed at cutting queues via an upgraded online system and digital services through banks. Infrastructure Finance: CBZ Holdings says it will raise and list a US$600m infrastructure bond on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, with an initial US$100m tranche already underway after US$75m was secured. Cross-Border Justice: Lesotho and South African courts froze assets linked to a major clothing industry fraud, but respondents have appealed and none of the forfeited assets has yet been realised. Energy in the Region: Eswatini’s Lower Maguduza Hydropower Project will add 13.5MW from January, boosting domestic generation and reducing reliance on imported power. Sports—Rugby: The Springboks face a must-win second Test in Cape Town after New Zealand’s 33-16 Ellis Park win, with Rassie Erasmus making four changes. Social Protection Crisis: SASSA’s grant reviews are sparking chaos for lawful beneficiaries, with payouts suspended and verification queues reported as the state prepares an appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal. Crime & Safety: Police arrested four people over the murder of former world boxing champion Zolani Tete, who was shot dead outside his home in the Eastern Cape.