This week in the news... 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟: CR delivers SONA 2026 outlining major reforms, crime fighting deployments & water infrastructure investment🔧 Gov announces R156bn water infrastructure programme amid worsening shortages🚰 SANDF deployed to combat illegal mining & gang violence🪖 New state-owned entity planned to manage national R155bn property portfolio🏢 Gauteng water outages intensify as experts warn of system collapse 🚱 Foot & Mouth Disease declared a national disaster, nationwide cattle vaccination drive launched 🐄 Senzo Meyiwa murder trial proceedings continue in Pretoria ⚖️ 3 killed in R573 Moloto Road taxi/car crash 🚑 World Radio Day highlights AI innovation in SA broadcasting 📻 Economist Dawie Roodt says BEE policy entering its ‘beginning of the end’ phase 📉 New bill proposes stricter enforcement powers over nonprofit organisations 📜 Stranded CPUT students protest outside Parli over accommodation issues 🎓 SA task team activated to monitor Foot & Mouth outbreak 🐃 Westbury residents welcome SANDF deployment to fight gang violence 🏘️🪖 SA elected to AU Peace & Security Council 🌍 Operation Shanela II leads to widespread arrests across the country🚓 CR overrules Eskom’s revised breakup plan💪🏻 Saffas leaving electricity network in droves to renewables💡 Imminent 2026 tax season close off sees consumer rush to maximise 27.5% Pension/RA deduction threshold💰💸 Investment co Harith enters negotiations to buy FlySafair✈️ 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: Economists expect 3 more interest rate reductions📊 SA may be in best shape in yrs but bloated gov a drag warn economists🤘🏻 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦: JSE@120584↘️ DOW@49500↘️ FTSE@10446↘️ R/$15.95 R/£21.79 R/€18.93 Bitcoin $68816 Brent crude $68 Gold $5046 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦: Proteas survive double super over scare v Afghanistan in T20 CWC🏏 Zim stuns Australia in T20 CWC as Blessing Muzarabani takes 4–17, (I just had to mention it) 🏏 Proteas Women clinch T20 series v Pakistan🏆 Wishing you an awesome Valentine’s Day! ❤️

Yesterday’s State of the Nation Address gave us a lot to think about. Here are six key points that really stood out for me: 𝟭. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 & 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 Our country is facing a growing water crisis. The President admitted that failing municipal infrastructure is urgent, and government must step up to ensure safe, clear running water. 𝟮. 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 & 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Organised crime was called the biggest threat to our democracy and development. Plans include stronger intelligence, specialised police units, and better protection for whistle-blowers. 𝟯. 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 Illegal immigration was flagged as a pressing issue. Government says it will strengthen border management and enforcement. 𝟰. 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Commissions into corruption in the justice system are ongoing. The President promised more transparency and accountability in governance. 𝟱. 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 The South African National Defence Force will now support the police in tackling gang violence, showing how serious this fight has become. 𝟲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 A mission has been launched to end child stunting by 2030. Tackling malnutrition among young children is now a national priority. These issues affect us all—whether it’s water in our taps, safety in our streets, or the health of our children. 📣 Question for you: Which of these six stood out most for you, and why?

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