Illicit Trade Crackdown: SARS and SAPS seized 26,000 litres of 96% ethanol in Kempton Park, Gauteng, in a raid linked to an estimated R9.1m in duties and taxes, with investigators suspecting more stock at an unlicensed warehouse. Counterfeit Bust: Gauteng’s Counterfeit Unit seized contraband and fake goods worth over R27.5m across multiple districts, confiscating more than 572,000 items including counterfeit cigarette-related and consumer products. Mining & Safety: ArcelorMittal South Africa said profitability is “within reach” after a R1.49bn H1 loss, while ICMM warned mining fatalities have risen since 2021 despite a slight 2025 improvement. Diamonds & Industry Signals: Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad said it is not exclusive with any consortium on De Beers, as reports peg a potential $1bn sale; De Beers also launched its “Desert diamonds” beacon campaign in Shanghai. HIV Prevention Push: Three SA firms were shortlisted to manufacture Gilead’s lenacapavir injection, and a trial in Africa found long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine outperformed daily oral options for adolescents. Labour & Migration Pressure: South African employers face shortages after migrant exodus, with farmers warning sugar and fruit sectors already feel the pinch. Energy & Infrastructure: South Africa’s solar and battery storage project added 216 MW and 500 MWh, while eThekwini approved R11.3m upgrades for the Durban ICC ahead of the SADC summit. Youth & Skills: AECI used Mandela Month to back youth development via its Future Leaders Challenge, and Xiaomi SA partnered with a Gauteng career fair to equip learners with digital tools.