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South African motorists could be paying significantly more at the pumps from Wednesday, 2 September 2026, as the latest fuel price forecasts point to substantial increases for both petrol and diesel. The projected increases follow continued volatility in international oil markets, driven largely by ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to global oil supplies. For Gauteng residents who rely heavily on private vehicles, public transport and commercial road freight, higher fuel prices are likely to place additional pressure on household budgets and business operating costs.

South Africa has spent R341.2 million repatriating and deporting 99 933 foreign nationals between preparations for anti illegal immigration protests in late June and 18 August 2026. The Department of Home Affairs revealed the figures during a briefing to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, confirming that the operation included transport, temporary accommodation facilities, staff overtime and logistics. The expenditure has raised widespread questions about why South Africa carries the cost of repatriating foreign nationals, whether other countries reimburse the government and how the spending could affect taxpayers if National Treasury does not approve emergency funding.

Two suspects were arrested after Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Tactical Response Unit officers recovered a rifle, a pistol and live ammunition during a targeted operation in Lufhereng, Johannesburg, on Monday, 24 August 2026. According to the JMPD, officers acted on intelligence about an alleged illegal firearm transaction before intercepting a white Toyota Vitz and arresting the occupants. The latest seizure comes as law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts to curb the circulation of illegal firearms in Gauteng, following several major firearm recoveries across the province in recent weeks.

South Africa’s electricity tariffs have increased by more than 900% since 2007, according to Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Speaking ahead of the release of the government’s new electricity pricing policy for public comment, the minister said tariffs had risen from about 19 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2007 to more than R3.70 per kilowatt-hour today. The announcement is significant for households, businesses and industries across Gauteng, where electricity remains a major monthly expense and an important driver of economic activity.

A Johannesburg businessman who was kidnapped at his business premises in Cleveland has been rescued unharmed following a multidisciplinary South African Police Service (SAPS) operation that resulted in the arrest of four suspects. The businessman was allegedly abducted on Saturday, 15 August 2026, before suspects reportedly accessed his bank account and demanded a ransom for his release. Police arranged a controlled ransom drop that led to the arrests, the recovery of two vehicles and four cellphones believed to have been used in the crime. The suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

March and March has temporarily suspended its activities while its leadership undertakes consultations through the newly established SA First Forum ahead of planned demonstrations on 30 September 2026. The movement confirmed the pause on Tuesday, 18 August, saying it is engaging with various organisations to strengthen its advocacy work and organisational structures. The announcement comes weeks after nationwide anti illegal immigration protests and signals a temporary shift from public demonstrations to consultation and planning.

South African motorists are paying new fuel prices from Wednesday, 5 August 2026, after the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed a 52 cent per litre decrease for both grades of petrol and sharp increases for diesel. Gauteng drivers now pay R25.42 per litre for inland 93 petrol and R26.17 for inland 95 petrol, while diesel wholesale prices have risen by more than R1 per litre. The adjustment matters for households and businesses because diesel costs feed directly into transport, logistics and operating expenses across the province.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The launch marks the country’s transition towards a fully digital immigration system designed to simplify international travel while strengthening border security.

Transport authorities across South Africa are intensifying enforcement against illegal scholar transport operators, with Gauteng launching a province-wide operating licence handover programme ahead of a key 14 August deadline. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has warned that scholar transport operators who have already been approved for operating licences must collect them before the deadline, while operators transporting learners without the required permits risk enforcement action. The renewed compliance drive forms part of broader efforts to improve learner safety, eliminate administrative backlogs and ensure that all scholar transport services operate legally under the National Land Transport Act.

City Power has announced planned electricity outages that will affect parts of Johannesburg this week and next as maintenance teams work to improve the reliability of the city’s electricity network. Residents and businesses in sections of Midrand and Roodepoort will experience temporary power interruptions on 12 August and 18 August 2026 while essential work is carried out on switching stations. The utility says the scheduled maintenance is necessary to service ageing infrastructure, reduce the risk of unplanned outages and strengthen the network during the high electricity demand experienced in winter.