HIV Response Under Strain: UNAIDS warns that cuts to HIV prevention and community services could trigger a resurgence, even as new infections and deaths hit multi-decade lows. GBVF Governance Boost: President Ramaphosa appoints South Africa’s first statutory National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, starting 1 August, to strengthen coordination and accountability. Clean Energy Deal: Ramaphosa hails China–South Africa cooperation as Goldwind’s Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm enters commercial operations in Mpumalanga. Local Science for Health: Wits’ Opti-DOR trial finds doravirine-based first-line HIV treatment causes significantly less weight gain than dolutegravir, with similar viral suppression. Job Scam Warning: Social Development urges youth to beware fake overseas job offers used by traffickers, including cyber-crime forced labour schemes. Rooibos to Space: The Rooibos in Space project prepares to send South African rooibos seeds to the ISS for classroom STEM “space labs.” Elephants in Court: A Johannesburg Zoo case could decide the fate of the last three elephants, with welfare campaigners pushing for release. Media Jobs at Risk: SA’s oldest newspaper faces uncertainty after new owners reportedly left staff unpaid. Digital Security & Crime: Police arrest suspects after a shootout linked to vehicle theft and signal jamming on Malibongwe Drive. Tech Markets: Microsoft’s record $450bn one-day market jump follows strong Azure growth.