Municipal Pressure in South Africa: A new look at city services shows wider gaps between well-run municipalities and those under strain, with ageing infrastructure, weak maintenance and governance issues hitting water, sanitation and refuse collection. Joburg Renewal Push: Standard Bank backs the “Walk the Talk” drive, urging residents and businesses to reclaim Johannesburg’s inner core through safety, cleanliness and community-led action. Mandela Month Impact: FirstRand Volunteers mobilised 2,500 employees to deliver food parcels and school garden support worth over R10m, turning volunteering into longer-term community help. Work & Pay Reality Check: Payinc reports nominal salary gains are being wiped out by inflation, with real net pay down and purchasing power at a two-year low. Zambia Infrastructure Jobs: President Hichilema inspects the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway, saying renegotiation saved taxpayers US$1.2bn and construction is 84% complete. Zimbabwe-China Trade: Zimbabwe ships its first blueberry batch to China after a phytosanitary protocol, aiming to scale exports to 12,000 tons this year. South Africa Xenophobia Backlash: Nigeria investigates South Africa’s role as Tanzania and Botswana take retaliatory steps over attacks on their citizens. Legal Career Update (SA): Andrew Chauke is cleared of misconduct allegations and declared fit to hold office after the Nkabinde inquiry. Youth, Marriage and Money: A UN survey finds many young people want marriage and children, but economic insecurity and housing constraints are major barriers.