Road contract under investigation for corruption, and a delivery service making more money than Takealot in South Africa

Jetour has officially confirmed the T1 and T2 SUVs have a higher payload capacity than initially reported, which was a major concern for both vehicles.

When the T-badged SUVs went on sale last year, consumers quickly noticed that they had a low payload capacity of just 375kg, which could be exceeded by five occupants, let alone any luggage.

This led to safety and insurance concerns about overloaded vehicles. In response, Jetour’s local division engaged with the company’s head office and the National Regulator regarding the approved payload for both models, which is now set at 475kg.

The 2026 Festival of Motoring wrapped up this weekend where at least 23 new cars were unveiled to the public.

Nearly all of the new models were Chinese, covering everything from plug-in hybrid bakkies to electric SUVs and small hatchbacks.

Oil prices have increased for a third session in a row due to heightened concerns about disruptions to energy shipments in the Middle East.

Brent Crude oil climbed to $96 per barrel after the US launched a second day of strikes against Iran, with US President Donald Trump threatening more attacks if Tehran responded.

Iran retaliated with attacks against countries hosting US troops, including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

The rand is trading at R16.16 per US dollar, maintaining a relatively strong position as investors wait for US jobs data.

5 important things

R150 million road contract in South Africa under investigation: A road contract in North West is being probed by the Special Investigating Unit for possible maladministration, fraud, corruption, and irregular expenditure. The project was supposed to be finished in August 2023, but was only 44% complete by September 2024. [TopAuto].

Varying diesel quality sold at petrol stations in Gauteng: Fuel tests at forecourts in Pretoria and Centurion found that the quality of diesel varies a lot, with some stations selling fuel that barely meets the minimum requirements to be sold. [MyBroadband].

Big shift happening in South Africa: Over 3,000 new energy vehicles were sold in July 2026, more than double that of the previous year. This surge is primarily driven by brands like BYD, amid growing concerns over high fuel prices. [BusinessTech].

First electric Range Rover will cost over $200,000: Jaguar Land Rover’s first electric Range Rover will cost just over $200,000 (R3.2 million) in the USA, making it one of the most expensive SUVs of its kind on the market. [Bloomberg].

The delivery service that makes more money than Takealot: Shoprite’s Checkers Sixty60 service generated R25.5 billion during the 2026 financial year, more than the entire Takealot Group, which made R16.42 billion. [Daily Investor].