Energy & Trade Security: India’s NSA Ajit Doval welcomed the US-Iran MoU with “cautious optimism”, saying reopening the Strait of Hormuz could ease shortages in fertilisers and chemicals and remove shipping bottlenecks. Local Risk & Logistics: Fidelity Business Intelligence flagged KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng as June 30 anti-illegal immigration protest flashpoints, warning of possible road closures, business shutdowns and looting, and urging targeted security deployment. Finance & Households: FinMark Trust data points to a persistent “mattress economy”, with millions still unbanked and nearly half keeping savings in cash at home. Digital Payments & Youth: South Africa’s Gen Z is driving mobile-first banking and digital payments, with many checking apps multiple times daily and increasingly saving and investing via fintech. Mining & Critical Minerals: Altona Rare Earths rebrands as NeoTerra Group Plc, widening beyond rare earths into critical minerals like gallium, fluorspar and copper, as supply-chain diversification accelerates. Manufacturing & Governance: South Africa’s company secretaries convention spotlights stronger governance and accountability as compliance pressure rises. Agriculture & Extension: Experts argue extension services must shift from teaching production to helping smallholders access markets, pricing and value chains. Ports & Industry Pressure: Cape Town port performance remains under scrutiny, with rankings again highlighting bottlenecks affecting exporters. Film & Production Economy: Homeowners are being urged to monetise properties by listing them for film and TV shoots, tapping South Africa’s location appeal.