SACP to contest local elections independently of the ANC
The South African Communist Party (SACP) at its rally today said it has begun preparing for the November local government elections and confirmed that it will contest municipalities independently of the ANC.
This has already exposed tensions within the alliance. The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) withdrew from the SACP's anniversary rally amid disagreement over the party's decision to contest the elections independently.
Why it matters: The SACP has been part of the ANC-led alliance for decades. An independent campaign could reshape the contest for working-class voters and test how much support the alliance still commands.
Who is affected: ANC and SACP supporters, organised labour, public-sector workers, working-class voters and political parties competing in the November elections.
South Africa prepares to take over SADC as migration tensions linger
South Africa is preparing to take over the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community, with regional leaders meeting in Durban ahead of Monday's summit.
But Pretoria is entering the regional leadership role with a difficult issue already on the table. South Africa's approach to migration and deportations has become a regional concern, with calls for greater cooperation over the movement of people.
SADC leaders and delegations are gathering in Durban ahead of Monday's summit, where regional political, defence and security issues will be discussed. President Cyril Ramaphosa will also host visiting heads of state and delegations at a dinner in Durban Sunday night. A wreath-laying ceremony for liberation struggle icon Oliver Reginald Tambo is also scheduled for this afternoon.
Why it matters: South Africa wants deeper trade and economic integration across SADC, while the movement of people remains an important part of the region's integration agenda. How Pretoria handles migration could affect regional cooperation on the movement of people and goods, as well as its ability to build consensus during its year as SADC chair.
Who is affected: South Africans, migrants and their families, businesses and workers dependent on cross-border movement, exporters and importers, and governments across Southern Africa.
What to watch: Whether migration leads to broader regional discussions about the movement of people, employment and trade, particularly as SADC pursues deeper regional integration.
Read more: Ramaphosa faces tough test at SADC summit
South Africa's cities are becoming more expensive to live in
Municipal failures are becoming an economic problem as households and businesses face unreliable services and rising costs. Johannesburg's infrastructure and water problems have highlighted the growing burden on people who increasingly have to find private alternatives when public services fail.
Why it matters: When residents and companies pay for municipal services but then have to pay again for water, electricity or other alternatives, the cost of living and doing business rises.
Who is affected: Households, businesses, workers, property owners and investors — particularly in cities where municipal finances and services are under pressure.
Shell loses its Wild Coast exploration battle
South Africa's Constitutional Court has blocked Shell's offshore exploration plans along the Wild Coast, overturning an earlier decision that had allowed the project to proceed.
Why it matters: The case raises a bigger question about how South Africa balances investment and resource development with the rights of communities affected by major projects. The decision could also influence how future energy and mining projects are pursued.
Who is affected: Energy companies, coastal communities, investors and the government, which wants to attract investment into South Africa's offshore resources.
What to watch tomorrow
SADC takes centre stage The 46th SADC Summit takes place in Durban on Monday, 17 August, with South Africa set to assume the regional chairmanship. The summit will cover regional priorities including industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture, critical minerals and regional integration.
The local elections The SACP is preparing to contest the 2026 local government elections independently of the ANC, after resolving to participate independently.
Markets Investors will be watching the rand, commodities and the JSE as new South African economic data are released during the week. Global markets are also watching oil prices and developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
THE NATIONAL