It’s a busy week ahead, with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) preparing to print ballots as legal challenges rumble on, while parliament’s Mkhwanazi inquiry races to finish its report. On the economic front, fresh PPI, PMI and vehicle-sales data will offer a read on the state of the economy.
Politics
IEC to go ahead with ballot printing amid legal challenges
The IEC expects to begin printing ballot papers this week, even as the ANC and other parties continue to challenge their omission from some municipal election lists. The ANC asked the Constitutional Court to hear its appeal next week and the court has scheduled the matter for October 5.
Parliamentary calendar
The ad hoc committee to investigate allegations made by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is pulling double time to finalise its report after the recent dressing-down by the speaker of parliament, Thoko Didiza. The committee met on Friday and will meet again on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The office of the auditor-general is releasing audit outcomes for the 2025/2026 financial year to relevant committees. On Wednesday it will release the audits for the department of public service & administration and its related entities. On Thursday the auditor-general will release the annual audit for the health sector. On Friday it will be the turn of the higher education & training portfolio.
Khan to appear before Madlanga commission
Dismissed senior crime intelligence officer Feroz Khan is scheduled to appear before the commission on Monday. Evidence will probably be held in camera as per the evidence leader’s request. Khan’s appearance has been delayed by a few weeks due to his legal team’s claim that he was medically unfit.
Cabinet meeting brief
On Tuesday, minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will brief the media on the outcomes of the cabinet meeting held last Wednesday. The briefing will be held in Pretoria.
Economics
Producer price inflation (August 2026)
Stats SA will release the latest numbers on Wednesday morning. July’s PPI fell month on month due to a reduction in the oil price and related byproducts (chemicals, rubber and plastics). The increase in the oil price over August will lead to a reversal of this deflation, and markets expect a month-on-month increase of almost 1% and a year-on-year increase of about 6%.
Absa manufacturing PMI (September 2026)
The August purchasing managers’ index was 45.8, the lowest level since December 2025 and the third consecutive month of sector contraction. September’s number is expected to be higher but still within contractionary territory. Business activity and new orders remain subdued, though medium-term expectations have improved.
Total new vehicle sales (September 2026)
New vehicle sales in August almost touched 58,000 units. Vehicle sales in September are expected to remain robust if off the highs of March, July and August.