Township economy policy: South Africa’s draft Township and Rural Economy Development and Revitalisation Policy has cleared its public comment period, aiming to formalise and support township and rural businesses with funding, skills, regulatory reform, infrastructure, land access, tech and market access—while critics warn implementation, corruption, inclusion and climate resilience need sharper focus. SEZ push for jobs: Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the Special Economic Zones programme has generated R14.8bn in revenue and created 30,000+ jobs, with next steps focused on boosting manufacturing and youth and women’s employment. Water infrastructure financing: The R25bn Olifants (River) Management Model programme hit Financial Close for Stage 1, unlocking committed mezzanine lending and grant arrangements to accelerate bulk water infrastructure delivery. Illegal mining crackdown turns deadly: Police and SANDF confirmed two soldiers died after falling into an abandoned mine shaft during Operation Prosper in Gauteng; authorities say the operation was intelligence-led and arrests followed. Illicit liquor bust: SAPS, SARS and the Western Cape Liquor Authority seized about R12m worth of illicit alcohol in Stellenbosch, with no arrests yet. Rooibos to space: The Rooibos in Space initiative will send rooibos seeds to the ISS in October to boost STEM learning in the Cederberg.