The week ahead: Idac intrigue continues

It’s a busy political week, with voter registration, parliament back at work, and new polling numbers expected. But most eyes will be on the Madlanga commission, where the slow-motion car-wreck that is Idac’s unravelling is set to continue.

Politics

Countdown for voters to register

This past weekend was the second and final voter registration weekend ahead of the November 4 local government elections, but South Africans can still register to vote until the election is officially proclaimed by the minister for co-operative governance and traditional affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa. The minister has confirmed that he will proclaim the election on Friday.

Many voters who are already registered may not be aware that their designated voting station has changed due to boundary changes in their ward or voting district. New voters and voters who need to reregister can do so online until the end of this week.

New election polling numbers from the Social Research Foundation

The Social Research Foundation and The Common Sense will release new national polling numbers around the middle of the week. These will be followed by polls for Joburg, Tshwane and other metro municipalities.

Parliamentary calendar

Members of parliament and the provincial legislature return this week from their constituency period ready to hold the executive branch of government accountable. On Tuesday the portfolio committee on sport, arts and culture will receive a comprehensive report from the department on its expenditure for the 2026 Soccer World Cup.

On Wednesday, National Treasury will brief the National Council of Province’s select committee on finance on its decision to withhold the equitable share grant to more than 60 municipalities. The Municipal Finance Management Act requires the legislature to vote on whether or not to continue withholding the grant from municipalities or not.

Deadline for impeachment committee to appeal

The impeachment committee for the Phala Phala matter has until Wednesday to file papers to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent appeal. The committee will also continue its work on Wednesday and Friday, hoping to appoint an evidence leader and finalise terms of reference.

Johnson’s pain to continue at Madlanga commission

Advocate Andrea Johnson, former head of South Africa’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac), will face more scrutiny at the Madlanga commission this week. Idac state advocate Drushantha Ramsamy will continue with her evidence against Johnson on Tuesday, and the commission has confirmed it will issue a rule 3 notice to formally place Johnson back in the witness chair.

Economics

Absa manufacturing PMI (July 2026)

Absa will release its July purchasing managers’ index on Monday morning. June’s sharp drop in the PMI to 47.3 put an end to two consecutive months of sectoral growth. July’s number should be healthier, but not by enough to signal renewed manufacturing growth.

New vehicle sales (July 2026)

Vehicle sales in June were a healthy 54,500 units, and July’s numbers – due to be released on Monday morning – are expected to be even better, buoyed by the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates on hold.

For almost two years, cheaper Chinese imports have driven the cost of new vehicles into deflationary territory, and the knock-on effect on consumer confidence is evident in the sales figures for new passenger vehicles.

S&P Global PMI (July 2026)

S&P Global will release its July purchasing managers’ index on Wednesday morning. June’s PMI number was 50.5, back in growth territory, and July’s figure is expected to show similar, muted growth.

This article is published courtesy of The South Africa Brief, a political newsletter published on Substack which is a collaboration between Paul Berkowitz and Jonathan Moakes. It provides analysis and insight into the new, uncertain era of South African politics heralded by the 2024 general election. Including a specific focus on municipal politics, it will provide full analysis in the run-up to this year’s municipal polls. 

_{Top image collage: Rawpixel; Currency.}