Western Cape Politics & Trade: Premier Alan Winde defends his US trip as job- and trade-focused, saying it targeted investment, tourism and agriculture links after ANC questions over cost and outcomes. Infrastructure Delivery Gap: A new Infrastructure South Africa construction book highlights huge project pipelines, but warns South Africa still struggles to convert plans into actual builds. Gold Sector Consolidation: Northern Star Resources rejects Gold Fields’ A$38.7bn takeover approach, underscoring pressure for mergers in a sector where premiums and deal structures are under scrutiny. Mining & Industrial Inputs: Itac recommends keeping antidumping duties on ropes and cables from Germany and the UK, citing likely dumping and injury in underground mining uses. Energy Market Reform: BLSA says SAWEM launch delays keep the competitive electricity market promise out of reach, as Eskom 2.0 and pricing policy work continues. Skills for EV Aftermarket: RMI, merSETA and QCTO launch formal skills programmes for new energy vehicles to protect jobs and raise safety standards in independent workshops. Crime & Public Safety: Police report the Wedela tavern shooting death toll rising to 18, with motives still unclear amid links to illegal mining rivalry. Health: FOUR PAWS urges a one-health push to eliminate rabies, stressing pet vaccination and coordinated action across animal and human health. Digital Inclusion: GSMA and PDAA back a roadmap to connect one billion Africans by 2030, focusing on affordability, energy, skills and meaningful services.