Procurement & Governance: CIPS Southern Africa has named finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards, spotlighting innovation, risk management, sustainability and public procurement ahead of a 5 August gala in Johannesburg. TRC Testimony: Former police minister Bheki Cele told the Khampepe Commission he was ordered by Jacob Zuma to leave South Africa and operate underground during apartheid. Broadcasting: IconConnect says its proposed Free-to-Air commercial radio licence could bring more listener-driven programming, pending public consultation. Health & Accountability: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accuses Auditor General Timothy Matsebula of abusing office by taking ownership of forensic reports and finalising findings without giving implicated parties a chance to respond. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III praised Malawi’s peaceful 2025 election and SADC’s electoral observation role, while also renewing demands that South Africa return Mpumalanga and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Security & Infrastructure: Transnet plans an “army” of guards and drones to curb theft and vandalism on the central rail corridor. Scams & Public Safety: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg warns of AI-generated deepfake videos using his image and voice to lure people into fake investment schemes. New Venue: Eswatini’s Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre opened for regional leaders, with Ramaphosa joking about the Durban ICC. Travel Rules: Spain grants visa-free entry for up to 90 days in 2026 to Eswatini and seven other African countries, while the UK tightens entry clearance rules for Eswatini and many other African states.