Cost of Living Pressure: South Africans are getting poorer as taxes, fuel levies, municipal charges and essentials like transport, housing and healthcare keep rising faster than headline inflation. Learner Transport: Western Cape scholar transport is set to resume after a dispute between the WC Education Department and bus operators over fuel-linked contract costs. Police Accountability: A case involving suspended SAPS deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya tests whether South Africa can hold powerful figures to account amid serious allegations. Death Penalty Debate: Former Justice Edwin Cameron says there’s no proof the death penalty deters violent crime, urging focus on policing, courts and prosecution. SAPS Oversight: Parliament’s SAPS Ad Hoc Committee is in the final stretch, with MPs working through findings on alleged political interference and criminal capture. Crime and Violence: A second suspect has been arrested in the murder of EFF MP Monica Dube. Diplomacy and Trade: Western Cape exporters warn a US-South Africa diplomatic standoff is already damaging export jobs and business certainty. Housing Court Fight: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde tells the court no affordable housing project has been completed in Cape Town CBD since 2017, while projects are still in planning stages. Fuel Shock: Fuel price increases are set to bite, with transport and freight costs likely to ripple through prices. Digital Inclusion: Vodacom Western Cape plans over R500m in network upgrades to expand coverage and improve resilience.