G20 Exclusion Row: South Africa was reportedly left out of this week’s G20 finance meetings in Asheville, N.C., after the U.S. Treasury declined to invite the delegation—an escalation of tensions that follows earlier Trump-era decisions. Fuel Price Shock: Motorists face steep September increases, with petrol up about R1.34/l and diesel up to around R3.15/l, blamed on global oil pressures including the US-Iran conflict and supply constraints. Energy Reform Watch: President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed Eskom restructuring plans in talks with the Eskom Board, backing a state-owned Transmission System Operator to cut costs and attract investment. GBVF Council Moves From Paper to Practice: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the newly operational National GBVF Council is now coordinating funding, governance and implementation, as new prevalence figures show 7.3 million women have experienced physical violence. SACP Election Strategy: The SACP says it will contest 4,418 wards in November municipal elections independently of the ANC, while insisting it hasn’t “walked away” from the Tripartite Alliance. Xenophobia Pressure at AU Level: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima warned South Africa it will no longer tolerate dehumanisation and mistreatment of Nigerians, calling for protection of lives and dignity as the issue is raised at continental level. Parliament on Foreign Academics: Wits rejected claims that 98% of its staff are foreign nationals, saying international employees are 9%, as Parliament scrutinises staffing and transformation at universities. Infrastructure Finance: The New Development Bank signed two loan deals with South Africa for a Limpopo Central Hospital and Magalies Bulk Water Supply Scheme.