South Africa is introducing a 'digital nomad' visa to attract global professionals and boost economic growth, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Department of Home Affairs has invited public feedback on the proposed amendments, which aim to modernize immigration laws and make South Africa a competitive destination for remote workers. The country joins other African nations in this initiative, with Cape Town being a popular remote work destination. Challenges such as visa processing delays exist, but the economic impact of attracting digital nomads could benefit tourism, real estate, and local businesses. Rental prices in Cape Town have risen significantly due to the influx of foreign remote workers.

BRICS has officially admitted Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia, doubling its membership to 10 nations and adding significant economic weight. Argentina declined to join under President Javier Milei. The expansion, announced after the Johannesburg summit, is seen as a challenge to US influence and a move towards multipolar politics. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the benefits for the Global South and African representation. Analyst Marisa Lourenço believes the expansion benefits China and may unsettle the US but does not foresee an immediate disruption of the current economic order or the dominance of the USD. The expansion's impact on global trade, investment opportunities, and regional disparities within Africa is significant, with the potential to influence global economic policies.

German actress Ingrid Steeger, known for her role in 'Klimbim', has passed away following a hospitalization for an intestinal obstruction. Her close friend Rolf Löbig, in consultation with Steeger's sister Jutta, is planning her funeral. Löbig reports that Steeger had been under social protection and had only 150 euros of pocket money. The cost of a burial and grave site for 20 years can reach up to 14,000 Swiss francs. Löbig, lacking the funds himself, hopes to leverage his network and the goodwill of those who appreciated Steeger, to finance her funeral. He insists on a dignified burial for Steeger, rejecting the idea of her being 'scattered in a forest cemetery' as unworthy of her.

Over 2,000 miners at Impala Bafokeng, part of Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats), have extended an unsanctioned protest underground since Monday due to a dispute over dividend payments. The protest began without the support of the National Union of Mineworkers. Implats is prioritizing employee safety, keeping exits open, and providing assistance to those wishing to leave. Misunderstandings related to recent ownership changes at Impala Bafokeng have been cited as the cause of the protest. Implats is working with the NUM to resolve the situation, which has halted operations at both shafts and is adding pressure to the financial sustainability of the operation.

The Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030, with over US$11 trillion in investor support from 82 investors, aims to shape a socially and environmentally responsible mining sector by 2030. The commission, advised by UNEP and backed by PRI, includes a diverse group of 24 Commissioners from various sectors. It builds on the response to the 2019 Brumadinho disaster, contributing to a Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management and an independent institute. A landscape research project will commence in November 2023 to understand future mining challenges.

The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, secured a place in the Rugby World Cup final after a close victory over England, with a score of 16-15, thanks to a last-minute penalty kick by Handré Pollard. The team's unity and resilience were highlighted by Rugby Africa's President Herbert Mensah and Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi. Tactical changes, including rotating forwards and introducing substitutes, were key to their comeback. The Springboks will face the New Zealand All Blacks in the final.

Aton Resources Inc. has announced promising results from its reverse circulation percussion drilling at the Semna prospect in Egypt, with preliminary findings indicating moderate to high-grade gold mineralization. The company's drilling program covered 21 holes and 3,662 meters, with results from the first 17 holes showing consistent mineralization along the Main Vein zone. Notable intersections include 14.63 g/t Au over 12 meters and 29.8 g/t Au over 4 meters. The mineralization is consistent and extends at depth and along strike, suggesting strong potential for the Abu Marawat Concession's long-term development.

The Wits Mining Institute Seminar showcased emerging trends in South Africa's mining sector, emphasizing sustainability, technological innovation, and recovery. Industry and academic leaders discussed the transition towards more sustainable practices, including circular mining, and the leveraging of technology to reduce environmental impacts. Key themes included the viability of reprocessing waste materials, the use of recycled water, transitioning to solar power, and the importance of defining critical minerals. Challenges such as legislative changes were also addressed. The seminar demonstrated the mining industry's commitment to innovation and development, with increased collaboration between the private sector and academia to foster sustainable, technology-driven solutions.

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone and other deep-water sites are rich in minerals essential for renewable energy products, but their exploitation poses environmental challenges. Deep sea mining, regulated by the International Seabed Authority under UNCLOS, is at a crossroads with the need for a finalized Mining Code. Companies like The Metals Company are looking to mine these areas, while concerns about biodiversity and ecological damage persist. The profitability of such ventures is uncertain, and the environmental impact could be significant, with calls for more research and a consensus on regulations.

The South African government concluded an investigation into the Russian ship Lady R, which docked under mysterious circumstances in December 2022. The ship was found to be offloading an old ammunition order for the South African National Defence Force and not loading weapons, despite being under US sanctions. The incident had significant economic and diplomatic impacts on South Africa, but the investigation, led by Judge PMD Mojapelo, found no evidence of wrongdoing. The US Embassy in Pretoria, through spokesperson David Feldmann, appreciated the inquiry's seriousness and expressed a desire to continue working on shared priorities with South Africa.

The BRICS bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is set to expand by welcoming Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as full members. This move, announced at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, aims to increase global leverage and serve as a counterbalance to the West. The expansion is seen as a step towards a multipolar world order, with equitable development and collective security. Leaders from China and India, Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, respectively, highlighted the historic significance and the potential for strengthened cooperation. The inclusion of Middle Eastern countries is particularly notable given their established ties with the West.

Essop Pahad, former Minister in the Presidency and anti-apartheid activist, passed away at 84. He was a key figure in South African politics, closely associated with former President Thabo Mbeki and the ANC. President Cyril Ramaphosa and organizations like the ANC and COSATU acknowledged his contributions to South Africa's democracy and international relations.

South Africa's healthcare sector may undergo a significant transformation with the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill, which aims to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare. Critics, including healthcare governance expert Alex Van den Heever, express concerns about government inefficiency, impact on private medical aid, and potential for reduced innovation and employment. The NHI seeks to create a state-run medical insurance scheme, but concerns about funding and tax implications persist. Discovery Health CEO Ryan Noach has criticized the bill's impact on private medical schemes. The South African government, represented by Health Minister Joe Phaahla, remains committed to the NHI's implementation, despite the lack of clarity on the process.