IEC Disinformation Crackdown: The Electoral Commission has gazetted a Disinformation Code for the 4 November 2026 local government elections, requiring parties to check claims, correct false or misleading content within 36 hours, and report online manipulation, with rules covering fake accounts and coordinated social media activity. Courtroom Corruption Focus: The Pretoria High Court is set to continue hearing the Mapisa-Nqakula corruption case, with WhatsApp messages between the former defence minister and contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu central to the state’s claim of coded bribe talk. Local Election Politics: The MK Party is in turmoil after Jacob Zuma dissolved its Presidential Task Team and ordered an investigation into alleged councillor list manipulation, replacing its eThekwini mayoral candidate just days after unveiling. Immigration Tensions in Durban: Refugees in Durban face mounting pressure as tensions rise ahead of a planned March and March gathering, after a documented refugee died following months sleeping on the pavement outside Home Affairs. BRICS Spotlight: India’s BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13) is ramping up with major leader attendance expected, while the agenda leans on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. NSFAS Funding Alarm: Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela warns NSFAS is financially unsustainable, projecting a shortfall that could reach R33bn by 2029 unless the funding model is overhauled. Police Accountability Push: Government is moving toward body cameras and dashboard cameras for SAPS, aiming to improve transparency and strengthen cases in court. Trade & Agriculture: South Africa has secured formal market access for cherries into China, with blueberry talks nearing finalisation.