Smartphone squeeze: Africa’s smartphone market saw its first year-on-year decline in three years in Q2 2026, with shipments down 7% as prices rise—sub-$100 models fell 34%, while South Africa bucked the trend with 17% growth on stronger purchasing power and 5G adoption. Jobs-and-skills push: Consulting Engineers SA says infrastructure spending must also build skills, mentorship and local experience, warning unemployment and engineering shortages can’t be solved by projects alone. Engineering spotlight: Cesa and Aon honoured top engineering talent and major projects at the Engineering Excellence Awards. Drugs crackdown: Police uncovered a crystal meth lab on a Limpopo farm near Musina, arresting two Mexicans plus Zimbabweans and a Malawian, with drugs and equipment worth about R600m seized. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: New Zealand coach Dave Rennie and captain Ardie Savea say belief and discipline will be key as the All Blacks open their series against South Africa at Ellis Park. Cape Town property heat: Actress Nomzamo Mbatha blasted a Sea Point studio listing priced at about R2.6m, sparking debate on affordability. Fuel watch: Central Energy Fund data suggests September fuel price increases may be back on the table after under-recoveries worsened. Sports admin: NPA withdrew corruption charges against Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo and Dineo Mokwele. Business partnership: Ramaphosa launched a government-business deal aimed at 1m jobs and growth above 3% by 2030. Tech for workers: Cape Town’s Jem raised $8.4m to expand its WhatsApp-based workforce management for deskless employees.