AGP Executive Report

Household Finance: FNB permanently removes initiation fees on its Credit Switch debt consolidation service, aiming to lower upfront costs for customers juggling multiple credit commitments. Corporate Real Estate Tech: Standard Bank Real Estate Services wins the 2026 Realcomm Digie Award for Best Use of Automation, citing AI and automation to manage property, compliance and energy data. TVET & Skills: Unilever’s TVET Cook Challenge grand finale in Durban spotlights hospitality training and provincial finalists as the sector looks to build job-ready talent. Energy, Health & Policy: President Ramaphosa backs multi-stakeholder engagement on Ebola, while South Africa’s policy uncertainty remains a concern as NWU marks 10 years of its Policy Uncertainty Index. Aviation & Trade Links: LATAM launches direct Cape Town–São Paulo flights, strengthening South Africa’s air connectivity for business and tourism. Mobility Costs: A viral Potchefstroom clip shows commuters walking past taxis as fares rise, underlining pressure on household transport budgets. Migration Pressure: OPM announces free housing and skills support for Nigerian returnees from South Africa amid ongoing unrest. Industry Signals: Daimler Truck Southern Africa appoints senior leaders to bolster customer service, parts and dealer network operations.

Electricity costs hit home: Johannesburg’s City Power tariffs kick in from 1 July, with an average 8.63% increase approved by NERSA, while eThekwini also faced prepaid-power misconceptions as it implemented a 9% tariff rise and stressed customers pay the same rate (outside businesses/industry). Labour & governance: The Labour Court in Johannesburg halted a disciplinary hearing against a whistleblower engineer at Public Works, finding a prima facie link to protected disclosures. Security policy debate: The DA wants government to withdraw proposed amendments to PSIRA regulations and the Firearms Control Amendment Bill, arguing they could weaken lawful private security during crime and unrest. Energy transition & tech: Google says it has topped its $1bn Africa investment target, unveiling new cloud, connectivity hubs, an applied AI lab, and a Soweto digital innovation centre; Deputy President Mashatile launched BrainSAT and Thuraya for rural connectivity. Mining & critical minerals: Harmony says its copper push is diversification, not a break from gold identity; MRG Metals reports high gallium levels at its Garies project. Agriculture & food security: South Africa revised its bird flu defence strategy to allow vaccination, aiming to protect the poultry industry and livelihoods. Industry skills pipeline: A Youth Month “Future Skills Experience” put learners into hands-on manufacturing, engineering and trades exposure. Transport safety: A bus overturn on the N1 near Touws River killed 15 people.

Electricity & Municipal Costs: Johannesburg households brace for an 8.63% City Power tariff jump from 1 July, approved by Nersa, as the city cites rising network maintenance costs and customer pressure. Port & Agriculture Logistics: Western Cape Agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer warns against rerouting exports to Eastern Cape ports, after Cape Town port disruptions forced diversions of about 55,000 tonnes of table grapes and hit other fruit categories. Digital Infrastructure & AI: Google Cloud opens its inaugural Africa summit in Sandton, launching new infrastructure and an applied AI lab, with President Ramaphosa pitching cloud and AI as drivers of jobs and growth. Energy Transition & Storage: Envision Energy secures a 660MWh battery storage deal for South Africa’s Naos-1 hybrid project, adding momentum to grid reliability efforts. Food Systems Oversight: SAHRC convenes the second leg of its food systems investigative hearing from 6–10 July, focusing on market concentration and private sector influence across the value chain. Labour & Equity: The Commission for Employment Equity flags persistent racial, gender and disability disparities in top management and senior roles. Manufacturing Watch: Absa PMI shows manufacturing slipping back into contraction in June as new orders weaken and pricing pressures ease. Migration & Security: 30 June anti-illegal immigration marches largely stayed peaceful, but looting and clashes were reported in parts of Gauteng and KZN, keeping business and logistics on high alert.

Energy & Industry Policy: Approvals are in for Dimsum Energy’s 2GW Eastern Cape hybrid renewables mega-project (wind, solar and large-scale battery storage), with construction targeted for early 2028 and linked to new transmission capacity via the Poseidon 400/132kV substation. Power & Public Finance: City Power warns government departments owe it over R270m for electricity, with total arrears across customers now at R13.3bn—raising the risk of disconnections and service strain. Government Reshuffle: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s GNU cabinet changes demote DA leader John Steenhuisen to Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, while appointing Willie Aucamp as Agriculture minister; Dina Pule’s Social Development appointment draws DA backlash. Mining & Metals Dealmaking: Alcoa agrees to buy South32’s bauxite, alumina and aluminium assets for up to $5.6bn, reshaping South32’s portfolio and strengthening Alcoa’s integrated aluminium position. Rare Earths Progress: Rainbow Rare Earths says three-quarters of the Phalaborwa rare earths process flowsheet is fixed and moved into engineering after pilot plant data. Digital Power Skills: Eskom and Huawei launch a Modernisation Centre to train Eskom staff and South African youth in power ICT, smart grids, cybersecurity and digital operations. Jobs & Economy: Stats SA reports South Africa shed 120,000 jobs between March 2025 and March 2026, with losses across food, manufacturing, community services, trade, construction, electricity and transport. Trade & Circular Economy: Recycling sector groups urge an urgent review of the Price Preference System after the Draft National Circular Economy Action Plan was published without consultation.

Cabinet Shake-Up: President Cyril Ramaphosa reshuffled the GNU, replacing Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen with Willie Aucamp and moving Steenhuisen to Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, while also removing other deputy ministers including Sello Seitlholo (Water and Sanitation) and Samantha Graham-Maré (Electricity and Energy). Jobs & Credit Pressure: Stats SA reported South Africa shed 80,000 formal jobs in Q1 2026, driven mainly by community services and trade, while TransUnion data shows consumers leaning more on credit as affordability bites. June 30 Protests & Security: Anti-immigration marches across major cities ended with isolated violence and looting, with police arresting suspects and running a large security operation; businesses closed and many foreign nationals reported fear and disruption. Trade & Metals: SA’s trade balance swung to a May deficit of R1.8bn as gold and platinum prices fell and vehicle exports weakened, even as the year-to-date surplus remains positive. Energy & Water: Cape Town dam storage rose to 74.9% after the latest rainfall, and the city published updated energy and carbon planning data amid ongoing system strain. Local Industry Spotlight: Topwell Chemicals showcased Africa’s only organic pigment plant in Durban at Coatings For Africa, underscoring manufacturing depth for regional supply chains.

Competition Tribunal: Chery’s acquisition of Nissan South Africa’s Rosslyn plant in Gauteng was approved, paving the way for local vehicle manufacturing after Nissan exits. Mining & Markets: A fresh legal fight erupts between Liberty Coal and Mantengu Minerals after CEO Mike Miller’s resignation, with claims of reputational damage and alleged share-price manipulation. Finance & Consumers: TransUnion says South Africans are leaning harder on credit as banks tighten lending and non-banks extend more to below-prime borrowers, raising affordability risk. Water Security: Western Cape dam levels improved again, with the Cape Town system rising to 74.68% and overall provincial storage to 75.96%. Labour & Protests: SAHRC urges peaceful June 30 marches and reminds workers that 30 June is a normal working day, including transport expectations. Industrial Localisation: DTIC and industry bodies host a Footwear Retail Buyer Showcase in Durban (1–2 July) to boost local sourcing under the R-CTFL Master Plan. Energy & Cost of Living: Fuel prices drop from 1 July, with petrol down about R2/litre and diesel down up to R3.59/litre, driven by lower oil prices and a stronger rand. Digital Security: Mastercard launches an Africa Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, starting in South Africa and Nigeria, to improve threat intelligence sharing. Power Storage: Envision Energy signs to supply a 660 MWh battery system for the Naos-1 solar-plus-storage project in the Free State. EV Industry Watch: BYD expands in New Zealand, adding six dealerships after orders surged 871%, a sign of accelerating Chinese EV momentum in right-hand-drive markets.

Security Readiness: Natjoints says Operation 32 is in full implementation ahead of 30 June anti-foreigner marches, with air wing and public order units deployed and intelligence monitoring “in real time” to prevent a repeat of 2021 unrest. Transport & Trade Disruption: South Africa braces for knock-on effects as freight and cross-border operators prepare for possible unrest; Namibian transport firms are pulling drivers from SA over xenophobia fears. Energy Costs: South Africans face a double squeeze as municipal electricity tariffs rise from 1 July, adding to already painful fuel-price dynamics and raising costs for businesses consuming large volumes. VAT Modernisation: Outsourced CFO convenes tax and finance tech experts to unpack how VAT modernisation will shift reporting toward structured, near-real-time invoice data. Corporate Restructuring: BAT plans to cut about 20% of its workforce and outsource roles as it leans harder on AI to lower costs amid long-term decline pressures on traditional tobacco. Governance & Reputation: Resolve Communications says it is considering legal options after reputational attacks and calls for investigation into alleged lobbying involving DA ministers. Consumer Safety: Jaguar Land Rover faces a voluntary recall in SA over a clockspring connector risk that could stop driver airbags deploying.

Energy & Power: Envision Energy has signed a 660MWh battery storage supply deal for the Naos-1 hybrid project near Viljoenskroon, aiming to deliver dispatchable clean power and improve grid stability through wheeling to private offtakers. Energy Security: The IEA says stronger action is needed to bolster energy security as oil demand shifts and inventories are drawn down amid easing prices. Eskom Accountability: Eskom says it has received the final forensic report on its diesel procurement scandal and is moving toward disciplinary and legal consequences, with the Hawks involved. Jobs & Corporate Restructuring: British American Tobacco plans to cut about 9,000 roles globally this year via job cuts and outsourcing as it pivots to “smoke-free” nicotine products. Local Business & Logistics: Naspers reports Takealot’s first full-year profit, with revenue topping $1bn and logistics scaling via Takealot Fulfilment Solutions. City Management: Business Leadership South Africa warns Johannesburg’s service delivery and revenue collection failures are worsening despite high spending, calling for urgent intervention. Circular Economy: Gauteng’s landfill crunch is driving a new material recovery model in Springs, designed to divert hundreds of tonnes of recyclables monthly. AI in Services: Snupit says it’s using locally tuned AI to match South Africans with trusted service providers faster. Migration Pressure: Joburg Crisis Alliance warns a humanitarian crisis is unfolding for Malawian nationals in South Hills as repatriation delays and anti-migrant tensions mount.

World Cup Shock: Bafana Bafana’s historic run ended in stoppage time as Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32, setting up a last-16 clash against either the Netherlands or Morocco. Sports Governance: South Korea’s president demanded a government probe after the team’s early exit, calling coach Hong Myung-bo “incompetent” following a surprise loss to South Africa. Trade & Industry: President Cyril Ramaphosa used the 9th SACU summit to push a simple message: shared infrastructure needs shared investment, and private capital follows the right conditions. Migration & Business Impact: Ahead of 30 June, anti-immigration tensions are spilling into livelihoods, with a Limpopo businessman shutting a KZN textile factory after threats, while Nigerians weigh fear versus an uncertain return home. Regional Economy: Western Cape growth beat the national pace in Q1 2026, with agriculture and exports among the key drivers.

World Cup Round of 32: South Africa’s knockout opener vs Canada at SoFi Stadium is set for Sunday, with both teams chasing first-time last-16 history; Canada’s Jesse Marsch says his side will lean on momentum after a strong Group B run, while SA’s Hugo Broos hints he may extend his role beyond the tournament. June 30 protest fallout: Government says June 30 will be a normal day and warns against vigilantism as anti-immigration marches intensify; SANTACO confirms taxi services will continue, and township tourism operators report cancellations and revenue hits tied to uncertainty. Immigration and business continuity: Police and security are mobilising nationwide, while civil society and analysts argue the economic drivers of inequality are being misread and that intimidation of migrants is already rising. Automotive skills push: RMI’s Project Dineo targets the artisan shortage and youth unemployment in the automotive aftermarket by linking training to real industry placements. Wheat tariff decision: ITAC defends keeping the wheat Dollar-Based Reference Price unchanged at $279/ton, saying it protects local farmers from subsidised imports. Municipal governance watch: Cape Town and Theewaterskloof both face clean-audit setbacks, renewing pressure on procurement and financial management. Energy and industry: A Zimbabwe gas-to-power pilot could expand electricity supply for mining and potentially support southern Africa’s power needs.

World Cup Business & Sports Tech: South Africa’s first Round of 32 knockout run ends up in Los Angeles on Sunday against Canada, with the match framed as a historic milestone for Bafana and a new global spotlight for SA football. Local Governance & Accountability: Cape Town’s “clean audit” narrative is being challenged again, with calls for governance reform after reports of police-linked investigations into major city contracts. Migration & Border Management: South Africa is stepping up migration enforcement ahead of June 30 demonstrations, including processing and repatriation logistics, while Namibia has approved an urgent voluntary return process for its citizens in SA. Labour & Compliance: The Department of Employment and Labour’s push to add 10,000 inspectors raises the stakes for employers across logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and hospitality to prove workers are legal. Industrial Policy in Practice: Manufacturers say buy-local is undermined by procurement gaps and uneven compliance, arguing localisation policy isn’t translating into real factory-floor opportunities. Energy & Grid Stability: Eskom reports continued winter stability with no load shedding for hundreds of days, while the wider debate shifts to rising electricity bills and grid risk.

Labour enforcement ramps up: COSATU is urging a lawful, humane response ahead of 30 June anti-immigration protests, saying the focus should be border management and accountability for employers—not targeting vulnerable migrants. Workplace compliance crackdown: The Department of Employment and Labour is rolling out thousands of new inspectors nationwide, signalling more unannounced audits for labour-intensive sectors like manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and hospitality. Migration logistics still strained: More than 700 Nigerians remain stranded in South Africa with the June 30 deadline looming, as evacuation funding and carrier deployment face bureaucratic delays. Electricity bills keep climbing: Even as load shedding eases, NERSA-approved tariff increases are set to push up Eskom and municipal electricity costs from July. Mining finance: Tharisa secured a N$750m Nedbank revolving facility to fund its underground mining transition. Energy security push: Eskom is seeking private sector help to protect the grid from sabotage and theft. World Cup business-as-usual: Bafana Bafana face Canada in the Round of 32, with coach Hugo Broos expected to stick with a winning setup.

Migration & Public Order: South Africa processed 15,000+ Malawians for repatriation as tensions rose ahead of an unofficial 30 June ultimatum, while government said 30 June is a normal day and warned against intimidation and illegal transport blockades. Power & Industry Stability: Eskom reported a stable winter grid with 406 days without load shedding, citing fewer unplanned breakdowns and improved generation performance. Regional Trade & Industrialisation: Ramaphosa urged stronger SACU integration and AfCFTA value chains, and South Africa signed a US$14bn Afreximbank growth programme targeting industrial infrastructure, energy, mineral beneficiation and agricultural processing. Construction & Infrastructure: FNB/BER’s civil construction confidence stayed weak but stabilised, with energy, mining and transport demand supporting activity. Ports & Logistics: Cape Town port investment and equipment upgrades continued as the city battles poor global rankings. Energy Tech & Telecoms: Telcos are eyeing AI for energy management to cut network power use, with MTN highlighting measurable savings. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Agri SA welcomed Nersa’s tariff recommendations, while new FMD control measures aim to protect farmers and livestock trade. Showbiz & Culture: Cape Town International Jazz Festival plans to expand beyond the Mother City in 2027, and Orlando Pirates confirmed new signings ahead of the season.

Energy & Cost Discipline: South Africans are being urged to treat energy efficiency as a monthly habit as municipal electricity tariffs kick in from 1 July, with households and businesses told to track usage and tighten up appliance efficiency. Power Governance & Local Delivery: The Department of Electricity and Energy launched the first District Energy Council in Upington, aiming to close the gap between Eskom and municipalities and pull in agriculture and business as off-takers. Water & Accountability: The SIU welcomed a tribunal ruling that set aside an unlawful R25.9m wastewater treatment contract in North West, ordering repayment of money and profits. Livestock Biosecurity: Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen approved new national Foot-and-Mouth Disease control measures, replacing older directives with a single science-based outbreak framework. Farming & Skills: A regenerative agriculture push highlighted the need for farmers, researchers and communities to co-learn and adapt knowledge on the ground. Trade, Industry & Investment: Construction has started on an $870m ilmenite-to-TiO2 project at Richards Bay IDZ, targeting TiO2 production from end-2029 and linking beneficiation to downstream battery materials. Migration & Security: President Ramaphosa vowed a firm response to destabilisation ahead of 30 June anti-immigrant marches, as police ramp up security and enforcement. Consumer & Manufacturing: Gauteng police seized about R500,000 in counterfeit and illicit goods in Joburg-area crackdowns, including pesticides and illicit liquor.

World Cup Business & Talent: South Africa made history by beating South Korea 1-0 to reach the World Cup knockouts for the first time, with Thapelo Maseko scoring in the 63rd minute; they now face Canada in the last 32. Energy & Industry: Energy Exchange South Africa warns the real bottleneck for renewables is grid capacity, arguing for faster grid expansion and battery storage to prevent “gridlock” from stalling projects. Ports & Logistics: Cape Town Container Terminal received four new hybrid straddle carriers in a R96m Transnet Port Terminals investment, aimed at boosting container handling and cutting emissions/noise. Electricity Costs: With municipal tariff hikes kicking in from 1 July, households and businesses are urged to measure and manage electricity use as bills rise. Healthcare Regulation: Novo Nordisk says a court fight over compounded semaglutide weight-loss drugs is about patient safety and regulatory standards, not access. Migration & Security: Anti-immigration groups are pushing for action by 30 June, while police and private security coordinate to keep protests peaceful and protect infrastructure. Manufacturing & Jobs: Numsa says BAIC workers are in a second-week strike over alleged underpayment, with mediation expected via the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Regional Trade: SACU’s 9th Heads of State summit in Cape Town will focus on industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation across member states.

World Cup Business: South Africa’s historic 1-0 win over South Korea sends Bafana into the Round of 32 for the first time, with Thapelo Maseko scoring in the 63rd minute and a knockout clash against Canada next Sunday in Los Angeles. Energy Costs: Municipal electricity tariffs are set to rise from 1 July, with major metros facing increases ranging from about 6.7% to 14%, adding pressure to already stretched households and businesses. Mining Skills & Compliance: The QCTO is pushing a 30 June 2026 deadline to retire legacy qualifications, forcing mines and training providers to rework registrations, audits and certification flows. Transport Stability: Ahead of 30 June anti-immigrant protests, Santaco and police say taxis will run as normal, with the industry asked to help prevent disruption and intimidation. Regulation Watch: Parliament’s Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill advances to clause-by-clause review, as MPs flag the need for changes around illicit trade, enforcement and business impacts. Infrastructure Risk: Johannesburg’s bridge structures face safety threats, including damage and illegal mining excavations, raising concerns for daily commuters.