Monday, 19 October 2026

More than 300 people, most of them children, have been affected by a gastrointestinal illness outbreak in Tshwane. Preliminary water tests found high E. coli levels after chlorine supply problems between late September and mid-October.

President Ramaphosa says government is seriously considering fuel relief for motorists, but any extra help would come from money taken away from other programmes, after a R24 billion fuel subsidy was paid when prices last rose.

South Africa recorded R2.4 billion in reported digital banking fraud claims in 2025, up 29% year on year. Capitec's Andrew Baker says criminals have upped their game, and banks are now blocking stolen funds in real time.

Economists expect September inflation between 4.6% and 4.9%, the second-last reading before the Reserve Bank's November rate decision, with the possibility of further rate hikes now being priced in.