Oil prices continued to decline on Tuesday as hopes for renewed US-Iran diplomatic efforts eased crude supply concerns, while a sharp sell-off in tech stocks raised alarms about the future of AI investments.

With AI stock valuations under scrutiny and critical economic decisions looming, investors are bracing for a week that could redefine market trajectories. Stay tuned for pivotal earnings reports from mega-cap companies that could either soothe or exacerbate current market jitters.

Nigeria has urged South Africa to do more to prevent xenophobic attacks on African migrants, as the two countries meet this week to try to cool tensions. Foreign nationals have come under attack, and foreign-owned shops looted over the last few months, as some South Africans blame immigrants ​for problems such as crime and unemployment. Nigeria completed its voluntary repatriation programme last Thursday, with the final flight taking 305 returnees home from Johannesburg. In total, nearly 1 490 citizens were returned to the West African country. Nigeria mission Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, led a high‑stakes mission to Abuja this week, opening candid talks aimed at repairing strained relations between the two nations. Tinubu designated a high-level Nigerian government delegation to engage in structured talks with the South African delegation led by Lamola. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said the discussions were “candid, constructive, and forward-looking,” focusing on restoring mutual goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Concerns Lamola’s spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the minister outlined three specific areas of concern that have heightened recent tensions between the two countries: “The purported installation of an unrecognised traditional ruler, titled an ‘Igbo King ‘, in the Eastern Cape Province in March 2026 caused widespread public concern across South Africa. Minister Lamola emphasised that this occurred while South Africa is actively consolidating the constitutional role of traditional leadership in a post-apartheid society.” Phiri said concerns were raised regarding the involvement of certain foreign nationals, including Nigerian citizens, in organised crime, illicit drug trafficking, and financial fraud. “The Special Envoy noted that as of 7 July 2026, more than 500 Nigerian nationals had been processed through the South African criminal justice system for various offences, highlighting the need for enhanced cross-border security cooperation.” Violence Lamola addressed instances where law enforcement officers faced violent resistance or obstruction during criminal investigations. A specific concern was raised regarding hijacked residential and commercial properties in urban centres such as Hillbrow (Johannesburg) and Sunnyside (Pretoria), where unlawful enclaves have compromised public safety for local residents and foreign nationals alike. “Regrettably, these incidents have fueled negative perceptions surrounding Nigerian nationals living in South Africa over the years. Addressing these challenges firmly, fairly, and within the bounds of the law is vital for the well-being of both our nations,” Lamola said. Repatriation Phiri said during the sessions, both delegations reviewed feedback regarding the processing and arrest of over 500 Nigerian nationals in South Africa. “Minister Lamola clarified that these law enforcement measures are evidence-based, targeting individual criminal conduct rather than profiling the broader, law-abiding Nigerian diaspora. “The Nigerian delegation acknowledged the necessity of holding lawbreakers accountable, while emphasising the importance of guaranteeing constitutional due process, fair trial standards, and humane treatment for all detainees,” Phiri said. Phiri added that both delegations agreed on the urgent need to de-escalate inflammatory rhetoric in public discourse and prevent hostile actions. Xenophobia Lamola emphasised that the South African government unequivocally condemns all forms of xenophobia, racism, discrimination, and related intolerance. While crime and lawlessness will be met with the full force of the law, public frustration or criminal activity can never be used to justify vigilante violence, intimidation, or attacks against foreign nationals. “Law enforcement remains the exclusive prerogative of the state,” Minister Lamola stated. “While South Africa will not tolerate criminal activity by any individual regardless of nationality, we equally will not permit vigilante action or xenophobic violence against foreign nationals residing in our country. To this end, arrests have taken place, and relevant investigations are still underway.” Migration Lamola reiterated that shared migration and public safety challenges are best resolved through formal diplomatic channels, institutional security partnerships, and strict adherence to constitutional rights. Phiri said the two governments reaffirmed that bilateral diplomacy and Pan-African solidarity remain the essential frameworks to ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard human rights, and deepen historical ties between South Africa and Nigeria.

The EFF has slammed Vodacom and MTN for taking the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s (Icasa) new consumer‑protection regulations to court, accusing the telecom giants of defending a profit‑driven model built on the forfeiture of paid‑for data, voice and SMS bundles. Vodacom and MTN have launched legal challenges against Icasa’s new mobile data expiry and rollover rules, arguing that parts of the regulations are unclear, difficult to implement and could disrupt competition. Rules Icasa insists the rules are designed to protect consumers by ensuring unused bundles can be rolled over or transferred. The rules, published in January 2026 and set to take effect in January 2027, require operators to automatically roll over unused bundles at least once, restrict out‑of‑bundle charges unless customers opt in, and allow bundle transfers without limits. ‘Exploitative practices’ In a statement, the EFF said it has fought for years to protect the poor from “exploitative practices” in the industry, taking the battle to Parliament to ensure unused bundles are rolled over. “Data does not rot, expire, or perish like food,” the EFF declared. “There is no rational or moral justification for telecommunications companies to confiscate data that our struggling people have already paid for simply because a date printed in a system has been reached.” Icasa’s regulations, hailed as a victory for millions of consumers, require automatic rollover of unused data, voice and SMS bundles at no extra cost. Vodacom and MTN Vodacom argues that while it supports consumer protection, the regulations are ambiguously worded and could cause unintended consequences. For example, calls might be cut off once a bundle is depleted if customers have not opted into out‑of‑bundle billing. The company also raised concerns about very large fixed wireless products and unlimited bundle transfers, warning these could create informal resale markets. MTN similarly contends that Icasa exceeded its mandate, removing areas of product differentiation and leaving operators to compete mainly on price. It argues the regulator exceeded its legal powers, while Vodacom claims the rules are ambiguous and difficult to implement. ‘Cynical’ The EFF dismissed these arguments as cynical. “These are some of the largest telecommunications corporations operating in Africa, with sophisticated systems. They are perfectly capable of implementing rollover and preventing unauthorised charges,” the party said. ‘Corporate pressure’ The EFF called on Icasa to resist corporate pressure. “The attempt to challenge these regulations exposes the greed at the heart of South Africa’s telecommunications industry.” Icasa maintains that the amendments simply set minimum standards and do not stifle competition. The regulator began revising the rules after years of consumer complaints about bundle expiry and forfeiture. Both operators say they will continue engaging with Icasa but want the courts to ensure the framework is lawful, practical, and competitively neutral.

Residents across eThekwini are being urged to take immediate precautions as a Level 4 disruptive rain warning comes into effect, with widespread heavy rainfall expected to affect KwaZulu-Natal. The South African Weather Service has issued the warning for Tuesday, 28 July, through to Wednesday evening, 29 July, with the eThekwini region expected to be among the areas significantly affected. Forecasts indicate widespread scattered showers and thundershowers across the province, raising concerns about possible flooding and damage to infrastructure. Heavy rain could bring flooding across Durban A Level 4 disruptive rain warning has been issued by the South African Weather Service. Image: eThekwini Municipality / Facebook According to the eThekwini Municipality, the disruptive rainfall could lead to flooding in settlements, on roads and bridges, and in low-lying areas, posing a serious risk to both residents and property. Residents living in flood-prone areas, including informal settlements, have been urged to take the necessary precautions and remain alert as conditions deteriorate. The wet weather is also expected to create hazardous driving conditions, with poor visibility and slippery road surfaces likely to make travelling more dangerous. Motorists are advised to reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution when driving in heavy rain. Where possible, residents are encouraged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall. Emergency teams placed on high alert The Municipality said its Disaster Management Directorate and emergency services are on high alert and ready to respond to weather-related incidents. The Municipality added that the weather alert is subject to change, and residents should continue to monitor official communication platforms for the latest information. Anyone who encounters an emergency can contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.

Viral videos never seem to dry up on the World Wide Web. Isn’t it wild how there’s always something bizarre or hilarious making the rounds? From people surfing shopping trolleys on highways to cringeworthy challenge fails, the Internet never stops surprising us. The latest viral sensation has grabbed the attention of millions, racking up likes and shares all over social media. Today’s Eish Wena segment features a viral video of a Cape Town bride whose wedding photo shoot in the CBD took a heartwarming turn when two strangers serenaded her. Watch the viral video of strangers serenading a Cape Town bride, leaving her speechless. @zahierabader 😂😭#photographer #videographer #contentcreator ♬ original sound – Zahier Abader WATCH MORE VIDEOS FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN Need your news quickly? Visit The South African website for all you need to know. Enjoy a wide variety of videos from news, lifestyle, travel, sports, viral videos and lots more! There is always something to watch here! Why not follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok while you’re at it? Get ALL the news you need to know on the go at your convenience!

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent has warned sanctions and Entity List designations are now on the table.

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