Meth & Security: AFP reports Mexican Sinaloa cartel operatives set up an industrial meth lab on a game farm near Swartruggens, North West, with investigators saying the network is aimed at supplying Australia and New Zealand. Monetary Policy Pressure: The Institute for Economic Justice says the SARB’s 25bp repo hike to 7.25% will further strain an economy already hit by weak growth and inflation driven by imported factors. Roads Funding Crunch: Johannesburg’s roads and bridges need an urgent R10bn capital boost, with the Johannesburg Roads Agency warning of a R144bn infrastructure backlog and a capital budget far below what’s required. Food & Pharma Supply: Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp says qualifying private firms can manufacture ARC foot-and-mouth vaccine under conditional licensing to scale supply during the outbreak. Property & Inclusion: Deputy Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala urges black firms to actively claim a share of the R9.4tn property sector, shifting from talk to concrete participation across the value chain. Digital Sovereignty: Microsoft SA outlines a six-part digital sovereignty framework for regulated AI adoption in government. Heritage & Industry: Rooibos takes centre stage in Cape Town’s World Koesister Day competition, while SPAR’s Heritage Tour brings live entertainment to Eastern Cape communities.