Local Government Politics: The ANC is set to announce its Johannesburg mayoral candidate on Saturday, 22 August, with the city’s ANC-led coalition under Dada Morero facing service-delivery and stability criticism ahead of the 4 November local elections. City Governance & Accountability: Business leaders have pledged support for Joburg’s rescue as the metro’s finances strain transfers and essential services, with partnership talks expected to move after the election. Security Sector Reform: Commentaries on the Madlanga Commission argue security-cluster reforms need deeper structural change beyond professionalisation and digitisation, warning that operational capture, weak prosecution and political interference still undermine integrity. Electricity & Cost of Living: Ramaphosa’s Phase 3 Government-Business Partnership aims to push growth above 3% and create jobs, while debate continues over electricity pricing reforms and the scale of investment needed to fix grid bottlenecks. Energy Transition: Nersa says renewable investment has topped R400bn, but transmission delays threaten rollout. Public Finance & Oversight: National Treasury proposes centralising unclaimed financial assets worth over R80bn under a single administrator. Transport & Jobs: Prasa retrenchment alternatives have so far led to early retirements and redeployments, with more staff still ring-fenced. Construction Regulation: A shake-up is coming after investigations into building collapses found recurring regulatory and professional failures. Corporate Moves: Citi appoints Andre Ross as chief country officer and head of banking for South Africa. Business Climate: South Africa’s wire industry warns it is being squeezed by import-duty circumvention and weak enforcement.