Protesters affiliated with the Palestine Solidarity Alliance demonstrated outside the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, where SAFA executives were meeting, demanding that SAFA support the Palestinian Football Association's call for sanctions against the Israeli Football Association. They accused Israel of apartheid policies and violations of international law, comparing the situation to the global response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. SAFA Vice President Bennett Bailey received a memorandum and stated that SAFA is taking the issue seriously and will discuss it further.

In Johannesburg, a devastating fire engulfed a building at 80 Albert Street, leading to a harrowing situation where Yandisa Mnqandi was forced to make a life-or-death decision. With the building in flames, Mnqandi, on a fifth-story ledge, held his son close and contemplated the grim reality that jumping might be their only chance of survival. His wife had already jumped, and he believed his stepdaughter Melita was right behind him. Mnqandi was determined to protect his child, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

The Cradle of Creativity festival, designed for children and young people, showcased a variety of performances at venues including Johannesburg's Market Theatre. Organized by ASSITEJ South Africa, the festival aimed to make theatre accessible and inspire empathy and emotional intelligence in youth. The event featured international shows and was curated by Faye Kabali-Kagwa under the theme 'The Stories That Move Us'. Yvette Hardie of ASSITEJ emphasized the transformative power of theatre for young audiences.

Seven Malawian migrants, including a baby and four from the same family, were buried in a mass funeral at Olifantsvlei Cemetery in Johannesburg following a deadly fire. The local Muslim community and organizations like Rise Msanzi provided support for the dignified burial. Community members, including Abdullah Hassan Bonomali and Adam Masamba, expressed their sorrow and trauma over the loss.

A mass burial was held at Olifantsvlei Cemetery for seven victims of a deadly fire in Johannesburg, including a baby and four family members. The victims were Malawian migrants who had come to the city for work. Muslim organizations in Gauteng supported the Malawian community in providing a dignified funeral. Community members expressed their trauma and loss, with volunteers emphasizing the importance of humanitarianism.

Leaders from several South African opposition parties, including the DA, IFP, UIM, and ActionSA, convened at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, to discuss forming a coalition aimed at unseating the ANC in the 2024 elections. The event marked the beginning of two days of closed-door deliberations.

The Riverlea community in South Africa, after a week of protests due to violence from illegal mining, attended a meeting with Police Minister Bheki Cele and other officials. The police arrested 194 suspects and the Department of Mineral Resources plans to seal all open mine shafts by mid-September. Community leaders demand sustainable solutions and warn of taking action if promises are not fulfilled.

The Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble, consisting of young musicians from Soweto, performed classical music by JS Bach and Joseph Bologne at a free concert in Diepkloof's Dutch Reformed Church. The ensemble, founded by Rosemary Nalden 26 years ago, aims to provide children from poor backgrounds with the opportunity to learn classical stringed instruments. The concert was well-received by the community, with preparations underway for their annual concert at the Linder auditorium on August 6.

The Brixton Light Festival, a community-led event in Johannesburg, provided relief and joy to residents after a tragic fire in the city. The festival featured live performances, art, and lights, celebrating Brixton's creative spirit. Highlights included the Isegazini Theatre Group's environmental show, Exotically Divine Pulse's recycled material costumes, and the National Youth Orchestra's performance. A street parade and art installations also marked the event, showcasing community activism and creativity.

John Steenhuisen was re-elected as the federal leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) during the party's congress. In his victory speech, he declared the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, as the DA's primary political adversary. Steenhuisen emphasized the need for a broad-based movement to dethrone the African National Congress (ANC) in the 2024 elections and warned of a potential ANC/EFF coalition.

A Shabbat and discussion on the war in Gaza took place at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, co-hosted by South African Jews for a Free Palestine. The event aimed to renew commitment to Palestinian rights and foster peace. Attendees included Graça Machel and Minister Ronald Lamola. Speakers addressed the need for a multifaceted approach to peace, beyond legal action, emphasizing people's power. South Africa's involvement with the International Court of Justice and its request regarding Israel's actions in Rafah were also discussed.

South Africa is experiencing a persistent increase in violent crime, with significant rises in murders, kidnappings, rapes, and carjackings according to recent police statistics. The number of kidnappings has doubled, and over 7,000 murders were reported in a three-month period, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. Police Minister Bheki Cele announced the recruitment of 10,000 new police officers to boost visibility and combat crime, especially during the festive season. The largest labor confederation, COSATU, highlighted a decrease in police force numbers over the past decade. Opposition party Democratic Alliance criticized the government's response to the crime wave, with calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Cele.