Olympics 2036 Bid: The IOC says Qatar, India, South Africa, Germany, Hungary, Turkey and South Korea are in the running to host the 2036 Summer Games, with presentations due soon and a shortlist expected in March 2027. Cost of Living Pressure: The SARB warns the oil price shock could be “massive and persistent”, risking a wage-price spiral and hitting households hard. Fuel Shock: South Africans brace for record fuel hikes, with 95 unleaded up by R3.33 a litre and diesel by R2.84. Local Democracy: With local elections looming, only about 29 million of roughly 40 million eligible voters are on the roll, raising concerns about turnout and trust. Crime and Justice: Courts rejected Kémi Séba’s diplomatic claim, keeping him detained as Benin’s extradition process continues; meanwhile, the AKA murder trial sees delays and the Madlanga Commission testimony of Feroz Khan postponed after a related killing. Safety and Scams: SAPS warns of WhatsApp job scams demanding R15,000; Volkswagen recalls 291 Amarok bakkies over a side-curtain airbag defect. Animal Welfare: NSPCA plans criminal action against SAPS officials after the death of arson-detection dog Sky. Sports: Cameron Green is ruled out of Australia’s first Test vs South Africa with an abdominal strain, while Sharks and Stormers gear up for a Cape Town derby.