Xenophobia & SADC Integration: President Cyril Ramaphosa used the run-up to the 46th SADC Summit to issue a blunt mea culpa on discrimination and violence against foreign nationals, warning South Africa cannot preach integration while practising exclusion in its streets. Constitutional Court & Energy: South Africa’s Constitutional Court permanently blocked Shell and Impact Africa’s Wild Coast offshore exploration, citing unlawful public participation failures and strengthening community rights. Tax Fight: A court battle is set over whether National Treasury can limitlessly adjust VAT rates quickly, with SARS arguing the executive’s delegated power is constitutional. Port Crisis: Cape Town’s container port is getting a “war room” to align ship owners, agents and Transnet after it was ranked the worst globally, aiming to cut delays for fruit exports. Electricity Restructuring: Eskom chair Mteto Nyati is pushing back against moves to strip transmission assets, arguing the “family silver” must be protected as unbundling plans face political pressure. Fuel Shock Looms: Fuel price underrecoveries show no relief in September, with diesel and petrol set for another hit. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Cabinet endorsed tougher action against illegal mining, including criminalisation and up to 30 years’ imprisonment. Migration Reality Check: Reports highlight migrants returning home with nothing after anti-migrant protests and deportations, underscoring the human cost behind the policy crackdown.