Politics
The IEC’s to-do list grows with two weeks to the election
The Electoral Commission may have to reprint a significant share of election ballots as the implications of last week’s Constitutional Court ruling are felt. The IEC has extended relief for botched candidate lists to 32 political parties also affected by the ruling, which could affect the final ballots in over one hundred municipalities.
Former presidents Mbeki and Zuma asked to testify at TRC
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has asked the two former presidents to testify before its cases inquiry this week. The inquiry surrounds apartheid-era crimes that were identified by the TRC but not yet investigated and prosecuted. Mbeki is scheduled to appear on Monday and Tuesday, while Zuma’s sessions have been postponed to a later date due to his ill health.
Masemola to return to SAPS on Monday
Police commissioner General Fannie Masemola will return to work on Monday after six months under precautionary suspension. Masemola was suspended in April over allegations linking him to R360-million contract associated with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Masemola’s suspension has raised questions about the work done by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) and its involvement in the allegations against Masemola.
Economics
Consumer price index / inflation rate (September 2026)
Stats SA will release the latest consumer price data on Wednesday morning. August’s year-on-year increase was 4.4%, and the market is expecting a similar increase for September. Any price pressures remain on the upside although month-on-month increases should be muted.
Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (2026)
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will present the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday afternoon. Analysts expect a few silver linings, including a budget overrun in the tens of billions and a narrowing of the budget deficit.
The South Africa Brief this week
As we count down to Election 2026, The South Africa Brief will publish short profiles for key municipalities, including the metro municipalities. This week we will publish reviews of Buffalo City and eThekwini, focusing on previous election outcomes, persistent challenges for the current administration, and an analysis of likely election outcomes after 4 November.
