Oil & Inflation Watch: South Africa’s inflation outlook is being stress-tested by economists’ split forecasts for Brent crude, with predictions ranging from $65 to $95 a barrel and concerns that Middle East tensions and local uncertainty could push fuel costs higher. Digital Infrastructure: The US DFC approved up to $155m equity for Johannesburg-based WIOCC to expand fibre, submarine cables and data centres across 30+ African countries, aiming to support AI-ready connectivity. AI Governance: BRICS is pushing AI cooperation and “open-source” model ideas, while UC Berkeley research flags uneven human-rights risks from large language models across regions and communities. Cartons to Circular Economy: Tetra Pak invested R19m in a Johannesburg recycling machine that strips plastic and aluminium from cartons, turning them into pellets for products like roof tiles and pipes. Local Politics & Integrity: The Madlanga Commission heard that SA’s asset declaration form is too limited for meaningful scrutiny, and calls are growing for stronger financial vetting of senior criminal justice officials. Education for Work: Cambridge’s Sub-Saharan Africa education director says universities must better prepare learners for independent study and modern workplace skills. Democracy & Youth: A new analysis argues young voters aren’t apathetic—they’re “auditing” an unresponsive system after many first-time voters remain off the roll. Green Hydrogen Build-Out: Hive Hydrogen South Africa awarded Técnicas Reunidas a FEED contract for a green ammonia plant in the Eastern Cape, targeting about 1m tonnes annually.