Manufacturing Costs: High electricity prices are squeezing South African factories, in some cases overtaking wages and logistics as the biggest cost. The pressure is particularly acute in Nelson Mandela Bay, where manufacturing investment decisions must be made well before plants face closure. Construction Oversight: Government plans tighter checks on contractors’ CIDB gradings and directors, plus fines of up to R100,000 for departments that fail to register projects. The reforms aim to curb poor delivery and protect public funds. Agriculture: Farmers plan to plant 12.4% less maize this season as El Niño, high input costs and weak prices cloud the outlook; intended white-maize plantings are down more than 18%. Freight Rail: Transnet says a 7.6km, 696-wagon test train from Saldanha Bay to the Northern Cape has broken a 25-year record, demonstrating capacity to move minerals over long distances. The wagons were empty, and the record is not yet officially certified. Investment Climate: Morocco has overtaken South Africa for fourth place in RMB’s African investment ranking, with industrial growth, export diversification and infrastructure investment lifting its position.