Financial Governance: South Africa’s FSCA has opened a formal investigation into the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) after CEO Patrick Dlamini was suspended, citing governance, leadership stability, transparency and public confidence concerns; the PIC board says it has provided requested documents and welcomes oversight. Accountability & Oversight: The PIC board points to prior Mpati Commission recommendations as already implemented, as Parliament and regulators tighten scrutiny. Public Finance & Delivery: South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says it spent about R31m on FIFA World Cup support, but cannot yet link specific investment deals to the programme while leads are still being consolidated. Higher Education Funding: South Africa’s EFF is pressing NSFAS over claims accommodation payments still run through private “solution partner” firms, warning fees could exceed R220m a year. Elections & Political Stability: Kenya reassures Northern Corridor traders that election season won’t disrupt cargo and people movement, promising enhanced security along the route. Security & Terror Threats: The UN warns terrorist groups are expanding across West Africa and the Sahel, using drones and cryptocurrencies, and increasingly targeting Gulf of Guinea coastal states. Human Rights & Health: South Africa’s Vusubuntu Coalition calls for decriminalising small amounts of personal drug use, arguing arrests overburden justice systems and deter health access. Regional Peacebuilding: Ethiopia opens a National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa aimed at resolving political divisions through inclusive talks. Governance Risk: A Southern Africa risk report flags governance and leadership failure as the systemic factor driving interconnected crises across the region.