AUDI SIGNS PROTEAS TEMBA BAVUMA Audi South Africa has signed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma as the face of “Q: A New Era”. According to Audi, Bavuma suits the brand because his story is one of growth built on strong foundations. He is the first Black African cricketer to captain the national Test side. In 2025, he led the Proteas to their first ICC World Test Championship title. Full story - ln.run/KfBJp

SITA SCORES SEVENTH CLEAN AUDIT SUCCESS The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has strengthened its position as government’s trusted digital partner after achieving an unqualified audit opinion for the seventh consecutive year since 2019. The agency reported strong progress in governance, accountability and digital service delivery during the 2025/26 financial year. SITA maintained 99.8% network availability, connected 1,018 sites through the SA Connect programme and delivered four digital government services. It also expanded cybersecurity monitoring, developed new AI solutions and formed strategic partnerships. In addition, SITA invested heavily in digital skills, training thousands of employees, supporting learners and providing bursaries, as it continues driving South Africa’s digital transformation agenda. Full story - ln.run/075UM Pictured - SITA Managing Director, Magatho Mello

R30 DIESEL CRISIS THREATENS GROWTH South Africa’s diesel price has climbed above R30 per litre, increasing pressure on an economy already facing slow growth, weak business activity and rising costs. The sharp increase is affecting key industries such as transport, mining, agriculture and construction, all of which rely heavily on diesel to operate. Economist Motse Mohlapo says higher fuel costs raise the expense of moving goods and maintaining production, forcing businesses to absorb losses or pass costs on to consumers. This could lead to higher prices for food and other essentials, further straining household budgets. The price shock also highlights deeper structural challenges, including inefficient logistics and infrastructure, which make the economy more vulnerable to global energy market disruptions. Full story - ln.run/9_5oF

JEEP BACKS SPRINGBOK WARRIOR ICON Jeep South Africa has announced a partnership with IFBB Pro bodybuilder Sibusiso Kotelo, recognising his journey of determination, resilience and hard work. Kotelo, the first Black South African to earn an IFBB Pro League card and the well-known Impi Warrior for the Springboks, has overcome significant challenges to reach the world stage. Jeep says his story closely reflects the values of the Jeep Gladiator, including strength, capability and perseverance. Full story - ln.run/HUx_G

GETTY IMAGES COLLAPSES INTO BANKRUPTCY Getty Images plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a major restructuring that will return the company to private ownership. The move is backed by the Getty family and Koch Equity Development, which will inject up to $533 million (R8.8bn) in new funding. Getty says operations will continue as normal, with no expected impact on staff, contributors, customers or partners. The company has faced increasing pressure from a heavy debt burden, the collapse of its proposed Shutterstock merger and growing competition from artificial intelligence tools that can generate images within seconds. Full story - ln.run/i_laq Pictured - Co-founder and Chairman, Mark Getty

AGRI TRUST ASSETS HIT R2.76BN South Africa’s Agricultural Industry Trusts have increased their combined asset base to R2.76bn. According to the National Agricultural Marketing Council, trust assets grew by approximately R154-million, or 5.9%, during the 2024/25 financial year. The Maize Trust recorded the largest increase in value, while the National Lucerne Trust achieved the fastest percentage growth. The funds play a vital role in supporting agricultural research, farmer development, transformation initiatives, skills development and market expansion. Full story - ln.run/9DssH Pictured - Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni, Chief Executive Officer of the NAMC

DE BEERS DEAL NEARS BREAKTHROUGH Botswana is reportedly close to securing a larger stake in De Beers as negotiations over the diamond miner’s sale move towards a conclusion. The proposed deal would increase Botswana’s shareholding from 15% to about 25%, helping to clear a key hurdle in Anglo American’s long-running plan to exit the business. The Global Diamond Consortium, which includes investors and the governments of Namibia and Angola, remains the preferred bidder. The talks come at a critical time for Botswana, where diamonds generate around one-third of government revenue and most foreign-exchange earnings. Full story - ln.run/b73k8 Pictured - Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minerals and Energy Minister in Botswana

ESKOM HUNTS FOR A STRATEGIC PARTNER Eskom has launched a process to find a strategic partner for the 1.5GW Tubatse pumped-storage project in Limpopo, which is expected to become South Africa’s largest energy storage facility. The project will be capable of storing 21GWh of electricity and generating power for up to 14 hours during periods of high demand. Tubatse is a key part of Eskom Green, the utility’s renewable energy division, and is designed to support the integration of more wind and solar power into the national grid. Eskom says the project is already well advanced, with land secured and environmental approvals in place. Full story - ln.run/oByvD Pictured - Rivoningo Mnisi, Eskom Group Executive for Renewables

R624M LUXURY PROJECT TAKES OFF Attacq Limited and Tricolt Group have officially broken ground on the R624-million Aspire Waterfall City development, one of the most anticipated luxury residential projects in Waterfall City. The development will feature 217 apartments and penthouses, with prices ranging from R1.9-million to R32.35-million. Demand has been strong, with more than 76% of units already sold. Full story - ln.run/x9qp4

R30BN PIPELINE OFFERS DENEL LIFELINE Denel is targeting more than R30bn in potential defence contracts as it works to rebuild its finances and secure its long-term future. The state-owned arms manufacturer increased revenue by 15.8% to R1.47bn in the year to March 2026, but it remained loss-making and received its ninth consecutive audit disclaimer. Funding constraints, legacy debt and working capital shortages continue to pose challenges. However, Denel is pursuing new contracts, rebuilding technical skills and modernising its products as it seeks to restore profitability and regain its position in the global defence market. Full story - ln.run/kEtUC Pictured - Denel Group chief executive, Tsepo Monaheng

GRANT RECIPIENTS BANNED FROM BETTING Sun International plans to block social grant and NSFAS recipients from using its Sunbet online betting platform as part of a new responsible gambling charter. Customers will be required to declare their source of income, and those who identify grants or student funding as their primary income will be excluded from betting. The move comes amid growing concern about the rapid growth of online gambling in South Africa, with betting now accounting for the largest share of industry revenue. Full story - ln.run/56iRP

INDRIVE PUSHES TO RESHAPE E-HAILING RULES inDrive is calling on South African regulators to use data from e-hailing platforms when deciding how many operating permits to issue, arguing that current provincial limits do not reflect actual demand. The company says many drivers are struggling to obtain licences despite complying with regulations, while some face vehicle impoundments due to permit backlogs. inDrive believes platform data could help authorities make better planning decisions and improve the licensing system. The company also highlighted growing pressure on drivers from record fuel prices above R30 per litre. To support drivers, inDrive has temporarily reduced its commission in Johannesburg and Pretoria while it continues to advocate for regulatory reforms and greater industry collaboration. Full story - ln.run/BD3lL Pictured - Mary-Anne Momoh-Ige of inDrive

MAYBACH & AMG CAUGHT IN RECALL EXPANSION Mercedes-Benz has expanded a safety recall to include 30,078 S-Class vehicles built between 2022 and 2025 after discovering that front brake hoses could leak. The fault affects several high-end models, including Maybach and AMG variants. According to the company, heat and mechanical stress can weaken the hoses over time, increasing stopping distances and reducing braking performance. Mercedes in the US has recorded three cases linked to the problem but reported no crashes or injuries. Full story - ln.run/Bd5TP

LICENCES COULD BE BLOCKED AS OFFICIAL ID South Africans could soon be barred from using driving licences, learner’s licences and Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificates as proof of identity under proposed changes by the Department of Transport. If approved, only documents such as the smart ID card, green ID book and passport would be accepted for identification purposes. The move aims to align road traffic regulations with the Identification Act and prevent misuse of traffic-related documents. Full story - ln.run/gpxeK

TOYOTA DOMINATES FEMALE CAR BUYERS South African women are overwhelmingly buying vehicles in urban areas, with 99% of new and used light vehicle purchases taking place in major cities and metros, according to Lightstone data. Toyota remains the most popular brand among female buyers, while Suzuki has overtaken Volkswagen to claim second place. Chinese brands such as Chery and Jetour have also gained ground, reflecting changing consumer preferences. Full story - ln.run/PKsFR

IMF SEES SA ECONOMY GROWING JUST 1% The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has maintained its 2026 economic growth forecast for South Africa at just 1%. Rising oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict, weaker mining output and declining economic activity continue to weigh on growth. South Africa’s economy contracted in the second quarter, while petrol prices have climbed above R30 per litre, adding pressure on households and businesses. Although the IMF expects gradual improvement through policy reforms and structural changes, South Africa remains well behind the broader sub-Saharan African region, which is forecast to grow by 4.5% this year. Full story - ln.run/17BsL Pictured - President Ramaphosa and Finance Minister Godongwana

CEO FIRED OVER R265,000 PAY SCANDAL Inseta has dismissed chief executive Gugu Mkhize after a disciplinary process found she had fraudulently increased her annual remuneration by more than R265,000 without approval. The matter has been referred to the police, raising the prospect of a criminal investigation. The dismissal follows months of controversy surrounding her reappointment, which was criticised by the auditor-general for failing to follow proper procedures. Full story - ln.run/a5PdJ

CHINESE CARS CRASH WEBUYCARS VALUE WeBuyCars has lost R12.9bn in market value over the past year as its share price plunged more than 54%, with cheaper Chinese and Indian vehicles reshaping South Africa’s car market. Aggressive pricing and finance offers on new vehicles have reduced the traditional value advantage of used cars, forcing WeBuyCars to cut prices and accept lower margins. Full story - ln.run/X_Hc-

MINISTER BLOCKS RAF R3 FUEL LEVY Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has ruled out a proposal to increase the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy to R3.00 per litre, shielding motorists from a potential 75c per litre rise in fuel costs. She said consumers are already under severe financial pressure and that fixing inefficiencies within the RAF should take priority over raising taxes. The fund argues that declining fuel sales and stagnant levies have weakened its finances, with liabilities reaching R452.4bn and its deficit more than doubling to R145.7bn. While the levy increase has been rejected, government is exploring alternative funding options, including charges on foreign vehicles and vehicle registration-linked fees. Full story - ln.run/03LZp

CHICKEN DUTIES COST CONSUMERS 16.2% MORE South Africa's chicken import duties are under renewed scrutiny as the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) argues that consumers should no longer bear the cost of trade protection measures introduced more than a decade ago. Research shows that tariffs and anti-dumping duties pushed frozen chicken prices 16.2% higher, placing the greatest burden on poorer households. While the South African Poultry Association wants the duties extended and increased, AMIE argues the evidence is flawed and that local producers are now stronger and more competitive. Full story - ln.run/Y1V1T