El Niño Food Shock: South African Weather Service warns the 2026/27 El Niño is “exceptional” with highly unusual Pacific warming, pointing to drier, warmer summer conditions that could stress grain and oilseed yields. Workplace Safety Backlash: New Zealand’s workplace health and safety law changes are blamed for more deaths, reigniting pressure on enforcement and compliance. GBV and Justice: Government’s IMC on GBVF reports on emergency strategies after the discovery of nine women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni, while public anger grows over threats and intimidation. Data Centres Under Fire: Cape Town’s Equinix data centre approval is suspended pending an internal appeal, with communities and legal groups pushing for tighter development guidelines and scrutiny. Fuel Illicit Trade: Carte Blanche spotlights diesel-paraffin blending claims, adding heat to ongoing concerns about adulterated fuel and illicit margins. Energy Update: Eskom reports its highest Energy Availability Factor in six years and 490 days without load shedding, with diesel spend down sharply. Tourism Jobs: City Lodge refurbishes Gqeberha’s Courtyard Hotel, creating seven permanent jobs as unemployment remains high. Aerospace Showcase: AAD 2026 wraps in Pretoria, highlighting defence and aerospace collaboration and partnerships. HIV Treatment Advance: Long-acting eight-weekly injections outperform daily pills in an African trial, supporting wider access for adolescents. Digital Governance: A former 4IR commissioner ordered to repay R2.9m after secretly holding two jobs, raising questions on oversight and conflicts.