Marine Health Watch: Scientists warn of an unusual rabies outbreak in the Benguela Current ecosystem, now spotted among seals along Namibia’s coast, with officials urging people not to touch or approach sick or dead animals. Coastal Food Safety: Eastern Cape coastal communities are told not to collect, eat or feed dead sardines after reports of mass die-offs, with Pilchard Herpesvirus flagged as a leading suspect while canned sardines remain safe. Illegal Mining & Water Risks: An aerial look at Rustenburg–Brits highlights illegal chrome-washing operations and a deadly collapse, raising alarm over state failures and mismatches in reported water-use licences. Energy Transition Finance: Yellow Door Energy and Nedbank CIB secured financial close on the 49MW Lion Thorn Solar Park, expected to generate about 115GWh and cut carbon emissions. Smart Power Security: Pole-top enclosures are being used to protect smart prepaid metering infrastructure and reduce theft/tampering as South Africa modernises networks. El Niño Pressure on Farming: SAWS and agriculture warn El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions, threatening crops, livestock and water supplies. Weather Alerts: Severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds and rough seas are forecast as a cut-off low moves in. Wildlife Conservation: Aquarium news notes baby African penguins hatching, while broader climate and fishing pressures continue to endanger the species.