Telkom Towers Revival: Government has issued a Request for Information to pull private investment into Pretoria’s troubled Telkom Towers precinct, promising up to R4.5bn in investment and 12,700 construction jobs—but Parliament insists accountability for money already lost. Cost of Living Pressure: Parity Wealth Managers warns South Africans are getting poorer as taxes and essentials rise faster than headline inflation, with transport, fuel and medical aid costs hitting hardest. Death Penalty Debate: Retired Justice Edwin Cameron says there’s no proof capital punishment deters violent crime, urging focus on policing, courts and prosecutors instead. SASSA Scam Warning: In Soshanguve, elderly beneficiaries say they were short-changed or left unpaid after handing over personal and biometric details to people offering “food parcels,” prompting a fresh warning to pensioners. Eastern Cape Judiciary: The JSC has delayed naming a deputy judge president after interviews, as the province continues to face allegations of court capture and governance problems. Foreign Missions Funding: DIRCO says closing underused missions could harm South Africa’s influence and trade, as Parliament scrutinises the R300m-plus annual maintenance bill. US Diplomatic Standoff: Exporters Western Cape warns the growing SA–US dispute is already costing jobs and export value, calling for urgent government intervention. Fuel Shock & Transport Fallout: Matric learner transport in the Western Cape is at risk of suspension as operators cite diesel price spikes and affordability gaps.