AGP Executive Report

Airport Growth: Airports Company South Africa’s revenue rose 11.6% to R8.81bn in FY2025/26, with passenger growth and stronger commercial income lifting both its aeronautical and non-aeronautical businesses. Cheaper Power: Cape Town has completed its R220m Helderhoop solar-and-storage plant, which could save residents at least R400m over 20 years. It is still being tested, and savings won’t immediately cut household bills. Fuel Costs: Transport Minister Barbara Creecy ruled out a fuel-levy increase while she is in office, saying consumers are already under pressure and the Road Accident Fund needs reform. Financial Oversight: The FSCA has provisionally barred two firms from taking new client funds over concerns about overseas control of their operations. Business Disruption: Anti-asylum protests have brought arrests and attacks on businesses and property in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Government plans to seek Constitutional Court oversight of the asylum ruling, while Home Affairs is preparing an online registration and appointment system.

Household Costs: South Africa’s food basket averaged R5,488 in September, R1,167 less than the cost of a basic nutritious basket for a family of seven. Transport and electricity consumed nearly two-thirds of the national minimum wage, squeezing food budgets further. Fuel Shock: Petrol rose by R3 a litre to R30.25 as global oil prices and the rand-dollar rate pushed up costs. South Africa’s reliance on imports and shrinking refining capacity leave households and businesses exposed to further increases. Business Disruption: Anti-migrant violence in Durban and Soweto saw shops looted and vehicles torched, while businesses shut amid unrest. The army has been deployed in KwaZulu-Natal as authorities seek to restore order. Johannesburg’s Business Climate: City dysfunction is creating costly repair work while water and infrastructure failures weigh on small firms. At a France–South Africa business forum, French investment was estimated at about $10bn, but municipal stability remains a concern for investors and SMEs.

Fuel Costs: The Automobile Association wants Treasury to cut fuel levies by R3 a litre, warning petrol could rise by as much as R4.58 in November after record price increases. Durban Disruption: Anti-migrant violence has brought looting, fires and shop closures; police say 19 people have been arrested, adding to pressure on local businesses. Pay Gap: Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht’s 2026 remuneration package rose to R118 million, while half the group’s employees earned less than R7,750 a month. Investment: JAC Motors plans to spend R500 million on a Lanseria expansion as sales grow. Woolworths has also received approval to acquire a food supplier with 8,000 workers. Energy: A UJ study says Johannesburg businesses could cut grid use by 97% with rooftop solar, while Cape Town has opened a R220 million solar-and-storage plant.

Business Disruption: Anti-immigration protests have hit Durban’s CBD, with vehicles torched, foreign-owned businesses targeted and traders counting losses. Police also arrested protesters in Johannesburg as tensions spread. Energy: South Africa has surplus power, but affordability still keeps households without electricity. The government plans 4.6GW of battery storage, while a UJ study says Joburg businesses could cut grid use by up to 97% with rooftop solar. Investment & Trade: Transnet’s port authority signed a 25-year lease with Freeport Saldanha, while Woolworths cleared a regulatory hurdle to buy food producer in2food, which employs 8,000 people. Household Costs: South Africans face warnings of a possible R4.58 fuel-price hike in November, adding pressure on families and businesses.

Tax Compliance: Former Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko was convicted in his capacity as a director of five companies that failed to file more than 85 tax returns. The companies paid an R85,000 fine as part of an NPA-SARS crackdown. Municipal Energy: Cape Town has completed its R220 million Helderhoop solar-and-storage plant, which the city says could save residents at least R400 million over 20 years. Property Investment: PRASA’s property arm awarded six Western Cape sites to private developers, advancing a proposed R3.6 billion pipeline for 790 homes and 4,466 student beds. Power and Industry: At Windaba, industry leaders said corporates have secured more than 3.3GW of wind-power deals in under three years. South Africa is also pursuing 4.6GW of battery storage. Fuel Pressure: The AA warns petrol could rise by as much as R4.58 a litre in November and opposes a proposed increase in the Road Accident Fund levy. Metro Services: A $1 billion New Development Bank loan will support water, electricity, sanitation and waste upgrades in eight metros, with funding tied to verified performance targets.

Business Disruption: Anti-migrant protests in Durban and Soweto turned violent, with cars torched and foreign-owned shops looted or forced to close, raising fresh concerns for businesses and workers. Johannesburg Property: Repeated CBD power failures are driving up costs for building owners, with one reporting R1.1 million in diesel spending. National office vacancies fell to 11.8%, but Johannesburg’s rate remains higher at 14.7%. Merger Scrutiny: Premier Group will fight the Competition Commission’s bid to overturn approval of its nearly R6 billion RFG takeover, after concerns that a Tulbagh fruit-canning plant closure was not disclosed during the review. Energy Investment: South Africa is prioritising 4.6GW of battery storage as part of a wider plan to add gas and storage capacity, while a renewable-energy deal will supply about a quarter of Kruger National Park’s electricity. Economic Pressures: Motorists face the prospect of further fuel-price increases, prompting calls to cut fuel levies. Moody’s has turned positive on its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa, while warning that debt risks remain.

Credit Outlook: Moody’s has turned positive on its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa, citing reforms, strong commodity prices and better financing access. It forecasts average regional growth of 4.3% in 2026 and 2027, while warning that debt costs and climate risks remain. Local Investment: South African investors have bought accommodation platform LekkeSlaap as its co-founders exit. The company, which connects travellers with more than 40,000 properties, will retain its existing management team and plans further expansion and technology investment. Mining Rules: Industry leaders say investors need clear, consistent regulation to support new mining projects, as draft legislation moves through consultations. Transformation Policy: Four major law firms won their challenge to the B-BBEE legal-sector code after the High Court found the trade minister had not independently assessed the framework before implementing it. Energy Security: D3 Energy’s South African gas project has received Strategic Integrated Project status, which could improve coordination with government and boost its profile with potential investors and lenders.

Merger Showdown: The Competition Commission wants approval of Premier Foods’ R6.5bn Rhodes Foods deal revoked, alleging the companies discussed closing a Tulbagh cannery before approval. The tribunal could order the deal unwound; Premier may also face a fine exceeding R2.1bn. Household Finances: South Africans report steadier financial confidence, but the Sanlam index points to a defensive mood: fewer consumers are taking on credit, and home-loan ownership fell from 21% to 14%. The latest fuel shock is adding pressure, with unions and political parties pressing for levy relief. Mining: Sibanye-Stillwater workers in Montana have ended a month-long strike after approving a three-year contract, settling a dispute over benefits and pay incentives. Ports Reform: Cabinet plans to make the Transnet National Ports Authority an independent state-owned company, a major shift intended to separate port regulation from Transnet’s terminal operations.

Fuel Shock: Inland 95-octane petrol has topped R30 a litre, rising R3.33 to R30.25. The increase threatens to push up transport and food costs as unions and ANC lawmakers call for fuel-levy relief. Banking: FNB is opening crypto trading to nearly nine million customers, bringing digital assets to a vast new pool of South African clients. State-Owned Firms: President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to chair a new commission to improve oversight and governance of state companies, replacing a shelved plan for a central holding company. Energy: Government plans new procurement rounds for 4,600MW of battery storage and 5,000MW of gas-to-power, while exploring sales of surplus wind power to neighbours and tackling grid bottlenecks. Pharmaceuticals: Ramaphosa has launched the CSIR’s FuturePharma facility in Pretoria to help local researchers and biotech firms scale up medicine production and reduce reliance on imports.

Fuel & inflation pressure: Motorists in South Africa are lining up ahead of another fuel price jump at midnight, with petrol up by more than R3 a litre and diesel also set to rise—raising fears of renewed inflation pressure and more strain on household budgets. Municipal audit push in Gauteng: Gauteng Cogta and municipalities signed a seven-step Interim Financial Statements protocol aimed at improving audit outcomes ahead of the 4 November local elections, with Johannesburg’s mayor backing continuous audit readiness. Joburg street-name politics: Johannesburg City Council is considering renaming several inner-city streets around the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct, including Wolmarans Street to Dr uZwi-Lezwe Radebe Street. Banking & crypto access: FNB is rolling out “Crypto Investing” on its share-trading platform via VALR, letting nearly 9 million clients buy Bitcoin and other digital assets from as little as R10—though transfers out are restricted. Legal spotlight on property regulation: The Gauteng High Court dismissed ZAP Hub’s bid to appeal a costs order tied to an unsuccessful urgent case against PPRA and the Human Settlements Minister. Sports governance fallout: Nigeria’s sports authorities are weighing compensation claims against FIFA after reports that DR Congo used an ineligible goalkeeper in the 2026 World Cup playoff. Gauteng jobs vs AI reality: A new report highlights South Africa’s fast uptake of generative AI at work, but warns formal AI skills penetration remains very low—raising concerns for job creation.

Fuel shock hits households and schools: South Africans brace for record petrol and diesel increases from 7 October, with 95 unleaded set to jump by about R3.33/l and diesel also rising sharply, reigniting calls for fuel-levy relief and better fuel reserves as OUTA warns SA has only weeks of buffer fuel. Western Cape learner transport crisis: Small bus operators suspended learner routes after diesel costs spiked and the WCED missed a deadline, leaving thousands stranded on the first day of term while talks continue with MEC Jaco Londt. Labour pressure builds: Cosatu plans nationwide World Day for Decent Work marches and pickets on 7 October, citing retrenchments, minimum wage non-compliance and attacks on collective bargaining. Electricity megatrends: Energy minister Ramokgopa outlined government’s megatrends for South Africa’s power sector, focusing on demand growth, affordability, renewables, flexibility and local supply chains. Cape Town housing under scrutiny: The Tafelberg affordable-housing plan faces court scrutiny over what will actually be built, with objections due 20 October. Crypto and fintech angles: OVEX pushes zero trading fees on instant buy/sell, while inDrive offers Johannesburg/Pretoria drivers a 1% commission relief during the fuel-price squeeze. Business and markets: Sanlam’s bid to take full control of Santam would delist the insurer from the JSE, NSX and A2X.

Fuel prices: South Africa’s petrol and diesel are set for sharp October increases, with petrol rising by about R3.12–R3.33 a litre and diesel by R2.84–R3.24, driven by Middle East tensions, higher Brent and weak refining capacity—meaning more pressure on household budgets. Energy reliability: City Power says it has restored about 65% of electricity to Johannesburg CBD customers after a prolonged outage, targeting full restoration by Thursday, Oct 8. Food security & trade: The Crop Estimates Committee flags South Africa’s 2026-27 winter wheat harvest at a low in eight years, likely pushing wheat imports to around 2.0 million tons. Geopolitics & diplomacy: South Africa-US relations deepen after a public exchange between DIRCO minister Ronald Lamola and US ambassador Brent Bozell, following formal demarches. Local governance: A report on one of SA’s worst-run municipalities highlights sewage spills, service cuts and repeated audit failures—showing how basic delivery problems hit daily life. Business & innovation: Microsoft’s exec says South African firms want faster AI adoption while keeping “sovereignty” front and centre. Entrepreneurship: In Richards Bay, a woman entrepreneur turns beetroot into wine, aiming to scale beyond KwaZulu-Natal. Markets: Sanlam’s bid to buy out Santam and delist it signals consolidation in SA’s insurance sector.

Rand under pressure: The rand slid to around R16.67/$ as foreign investors sold SA bonds and global risk aversion rose; the euro also hit a 17-month low on French fiscal stress. Fuel costs bite: Petrol is set to break R30 a litre from Wednesday, with 95 Unleaded forecast around R30.10 in Gauteng, adding fresh pressure to household budgets. Energy logistics: Transnet Pipelines has launched RFPs to bring private operators into five liquid fuel storage depots across the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Local governance & jobs: A BLSA CEO warns only 17% of government tenders were awarded in 2025, arguing weak public spending is holding back infrastructure investment and growth. Procurement pitfalls: A business analysis says spreading purchases across too many suppliers can raise total procurement costs by diluting buying power. Business expansion: Crown Worldwide Group launched FlexSpace, a modular storage solution in Johannesburg aimed at SMMEs and e-commerce. Court update: The High Court dismissed Hangwani Maumela’s bid to stop the sale of his Ferrari, clearing the way for SIU to sell it for at least R9.5m. Judicial appointments: The JSC is set to interview 44 candidates for 22 vacancies in Sandton, with proposed tighter ethics rules for commissioners.

Joburg Politics: Helen Zille leads the race for Johannesburg mayor in a new poll, with 36% support versus 27% for an ANC candidate, but she’s still short of the 50% needed to govern alone—setting up a coalition test for the 4 November local elections. Cape Town Housing & Courts: Cape Town’s Tafelberg affordable housing plans are back in court scrutiny after the City and Western Cape missed a deadline to explain how they’ll meet well-located housing needs. Cape Town Infrastructure: The City unveiled a plan to finally repurpose the decades-old Foreshore Freeway “Solly’s Folly” into a bridge, promenade and new neighbourhood—though costs and details remain a flashpoint. PIC & Wealth Protection: The Public Investment Corporation’s CEO Patrick Dlamini doubles down on how the PIC “hunts on foot” to protect public wealth amid market turbulence, as client assets climb. Trade & Logistics: China’s zero-tariff scheme is boosting South African commodity exports via Port of Ngqura, driving higher throughput for bulk goods. Energy & Industry: Egypt and South Africa pushed to deepen trade and investment ties, including a new business council, while Namibia is urged to prioritise energy security and affordability. Road Safety: Government targets a 50% cut in road deaths by 2030, building on recent declines. Local Business Disruption: A beauty fair in Sandton was cancelled, leaving vendors and ticket holders stranded and raising refund and payment questions.

Local Government & Services: DA flags Metsimaholo power outage response failures to watchdogs as residents report up to two weeks without electricity, with claims officials allegedly refused to log outages on behalf of residents. Tax Administration: SARS plans to auto-assess more than six million taxpayers in the 2026 filing season, but experts warn many people can’t realistically verify third-party data accuracy and may need data providers to correct errors. Election Coverage Funding: The SABC is still seeking R120m from National Treasury for November local election coverage, raising concerns about readiness and the depth of campaign information voters will get. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: Rhodes University students delay a debt recovery plan until a December council meeting, while Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says established business is “absent” from skills programmes despite a R103m e-commerce/digital training push. Health & Consumer Risk: SAHPRA crackdown on illegally compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could hit up to 300,000 people, pushing costs higher and increasing the risk of unregulated alternatives. Crime & Business Security: Orlando Pirates seeks to freeze alleged misappropriated funds after an internal probe flagged about R43.1m flowing to accounts linked to a former official. Water & City Operations: Cape Town schedules a three-day Faure Water Treatment Plant shutdown, with Woodstock and surrounding areas urged to cut usage during the maintenance period.

Johannesburg’s 140th birthday: On 4 October 1886, Randjeslaagte was opened as a public digging—today Joburg turns 140, with the same mix of ambition and infrastructure strain that marked the gold-rush boom. Brics business push: South African business leaders argue Brics should move beyond summits into deal-making, trade facilitation and investment that delivers measurable outcomes, especially via beneficiation and manufacturing. Transformation debate: A fresh argument asks who will defend the gains of economic transformation as B-BBEE and employment equity face renewed scrutiny and a government review. Court battles in hospitality: A shareholder fight involving luxury hotels and lodges heads to the Constitutional Court, with a Libyan-backed firm challenging a ruling that forces it to sell its stake. Joburg politics and service delivery: Analysis of the upcoming local elections stresses that coalitions must deliver lived results—water, electricity, roads and public safety—backed by financial discipline. Orlando Pirates fraud case: The PSL champions seek to freeze over R20m in alleged internal fraud linked to a former finance manager. Police and procurement fallout: A forensic report recommends criminal prosecution of former police minister Bheki Cele over alleged “gratification” tied to a major SAPS contract. Transport and infrastructure accountability: Sanral says it is unaware of taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni’s direct involvement in the Moloto Road upgrade despite extortion allegations.