Today is Mental Health Awareness Day, join us on a 21 day small steps with Mind Matters towards a better and healthier mind.
In awareness of Mental Health Awareness Month, Mind Matters has created 21 small steps towards the betterment of your wellness. For anyone who would like to join us — this one is for you
For 21 days, from 10 to 30 October, we’re taking a few minutes each day to look after ourselves for a change. You care for everyone else. This October, it’s your turn.
Rising fuel costs accelerate South Africans’ shift toward fuel-efficient motoring and alternative energy, Cars.co.za’s consumer data shows
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 01 October 2026 – With October fuel-price adjustments projected to push inland 95-unleaded petrol close to the R30-per-litre threshold, South African motorists are fundamentally re-evaluating their transport budgets. However, new platform data from Cars.co.za reveals that rather than putting vehicle purchases on hold, sustained fuel price volatility is actively reshaping how consumers shop – accelerating consideration for hybrids, smaller-engine vehicles and affordable new-energy alternatives.
The budget shift: From purchase price to total cost of ownership
According to the Cars.co.za Industry Report 2026, macroeconomic pressures have elevated fuel efficiency to a non-negotiable buyer priority. A survey of active car buyers captured on the platform found that fuel efficiency (52.5%) is now second only to purchase price (70.8%) as the primary decision driver when selecting a vehicle, outranking traditional considerations like brand loyalty or resale value.
This crunch on household liquidity is changing consumer behaviour across both new and pre-owned vehicle segments:
The downsizing trend: Enquiries on Cars.co.za show growing activity in compact, small-capacity petrol models. High-efficiency compact cars such as the Volkswagen Polo and VW Polo Vivo continue to dominate overall lead volume, with buyers prioritising lower consumption over larger engine displacements.
Hybrid momentum: While full battery electric vehicles (EVs) continue to face adoption hurdles related to initial purchase price and public charging infrastructure challenges, hybrid vehicles have emerged as the pragmatic middle ground. Search and enquiry activity for petrol-electric hybrids has seen steady quarter-on-quarter growth, driven by buyers seeking reduced fuel-per-kilometre running costs without range anxiety.
Emergence of value-driven new-energy brands: Chinese automakers are playing a central role in democratising lower running-cost vehicles. With Chinese automotive inventory expanding on Cars.co.za and sales surging 72% year-on-year, brands like Haval, Chery and GWM are offering feature-dense, fuel-efficient crossover models at price points that directly compete with traditional entry-level vehicles. Cars.co.za platform data reveals 59.1% of surveyed shoppers say a vehicle’s country of origin no longer impacts their choice, paving the way for rapid adoptability of affordable hybrid and small-displacement alternatives.
Looking ahead: What will drive the next phase of buyer behaviour?
As motorists navigate ongoing cost pressures, several key factors are expected to influence vehicle selection over the coming 12 months:
Financing and flexible mobility: With 53% of South African consumers actively cutting back on discretionary spending, flexible finance structures, balloon payment considerations and total monthly operating costs will remain central to buying decisions.
Expanding hybrid and EV variety: As more accessible hybrid powertrains and entry-level EVs enter the market – supported by expanding long-term manufacturer warranties (a factor prioritised by 27.9% of shoppers) – consumer confidence in non-traditional powertrains is set to deepen.
Digital research and real-world evaluation: With 35.2% of consumers relying on video and written reviews, plus 35.3% placing ultimate reliance on test drives, hands-on verification of real-world fuel economy will continue to guide final purchase decisions.
On the 30 July 2026, the Atlegang Social Intelligence team had the absolute privilege of spending time at Ratang Bana to honor Mandela Month. Guided by Madiba’s call to serve others, we rolled up our sleeves to cook lunch, assist students with university applications, provide career counseling, and donate essential food packs alongside a water urn for the facility.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to My Delight SA for introducing us to this wonderful organization and the incredible, dedicated women who lead it. The warmth, resilience, and impact of the Ratang Bana team truly inspired us all.
At Atlegang Social Intelligence, we believe in driving positive change through community support and empowerment. If you’d like to connect with us, collaborate, or learn more about our social impact initiatives, reach out at info@atlegang.co.za.
Johannesburg, South Africa; 25 February 2026 – The Rand Show has announced the launch of a brand-new Tech and Gaming Arena, a high-energy zone where visitors can play, build, compete and explore the future – all in one electrifying space at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, from 2–6 April 2026.
Built for curious kids, competitive gamers, creative makers and tech-first families, the Arena brings together leading names in gaming, innovation and pop culture to deliver hands-on experiences that go far beyond ‘watching’ tech. Here, visitors become part of it.
NAG brings a future-ready playground of tech, LEGO and next-gen experiences
Powered by NAG, the zone will showcase a dynamic mix of creativity and real-world innovation – from a live hackathon where teams solve problems at speed, to hands-on robotics that put visitors in control of the technology shaping tomorrow.
A massive LEGO experience invites visitors to build, create and contribute to a growing education-inspired bridge, while collecting a custom LEGO Minifigure to take home. For pure, immersive play, the Arena will also feature a LEGO pit filled with millions of bricks, ready to become anything the imagination can construct.
Visitors can also learn tech fundamentals through unplugged coding, using LEGO to explore the basics of programming logic and robotics – no screens required.
And for adrenaline seekers? The energy shifts into overdrive with a LAN gaming arena offering free-play stations, competitions and prizes, plus a PlayStation 5 football experience where every match is a chance for visitors to prove their skills.
Adding a powerful grassroots dimension to the Tech and Gaming Arena, Kasi Flare, powered by Mettlestate, will host a live competitive gaming tournament at this year’s Rand Show, showcasing some of South Africa’s rising township esports talent.
Born from a vision to create access, opportunity and pathways into competitive gaming, Kasi Flare has built an ecosystem that gives township gamers a platform to compete, connect and grow. At the Rand Show, visitors will experience the energy of township esports first-hand, as players battle it out.
Tech goes fully immersive with Virtual and Augmented Reality experiences, 3D-printing demonstrations that showcase how ideas can become real products, and a racing simulator that lets visitors feel the rush of driving the iconic Kyalami racetrack.
“This year’s Tech and Gaming Arena is all about participation,” says Adele Hartdegen, CEO of The Rand Show. “It’s a space where families can discover future skills together, where young people can be inspired by real innovation, and where visitors can enjoy gaming and technology experiences that are exciting, accessible and unforgettable.”
“We are excited to showcase technology, in all its forms, gaming is certainly one, but there is so much more we want visitors to experience. We aim to grow this into 2027 and beyond,” says Len Nery, Director and Publisher of New Age Gaming.
Anime After Hours brings Africa’s biggest anime and pop-culture community to the show.
Delivering a vibrant surge of energy and a fully immersive experience to the Arena. As Africa’s leading anime hub, AAH offers a high-octane program of live stage content, elite cosplay, and community-driven gaming. Visitors can look forward to J-Pop and K-Pop performances, interactive games like “Guess the Song” challenges, and an exclusive 2026 seasonal preview. The stage also bridges the gap between fandom and career, featuring professional panels on copyright and intellectual property protection, alongside sessions with the International Embassy on overseas study and career pathways.
The excitement extends to a massive marketplace featuring independent artists’ works and specialist vendors stocked with officially licensed merchandise. It is a premier destination for collectors to score premium figurines, statues, and stylish apparel, or dive into the mystery of blind boxes and authentic capsule toys (Gashapon). Whether you are hunting for TCG, board games, manga, and comics, or searching for rare music CD/DVDs and plushies, the AAH zone is the ultimate hub to level up your collection with authentic, high-quality gear.
Also powering the Arena is RGB Gaming, delivering high-energy esports experiences designed to showcase how gaming can be both exciting and deeply educational. With a strong focus on structured, school-based esports, RGB Gaming continues to champion responsible, skills-driven competitive gaming that aligns with 21st-century learning outcomes.
Building on last year’s incredible momentum — where more than 50 schools participated in organised tournaments — RGB Gaming will once again host dynamic inter-school competitions. These tournaments are more than just matches; they are professionally managed esports experiences that teach learners about teamwork, communication, leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking. Schools will compete in a safe, supervised environment that emphasises sportsmanship, inclusivity, and personal growth alongside competitive performance.
Beyond the school tournaments, the stand will open its doors to the public with free-play gaming sessions throughout the event. Children, parents, and adults alike will have the opportunity to jump in, pick up a controller, and experience firsthand how modern gaming can positively contribute to development. From collaborative challenges that strengthen teamwork to fast-paced problem-solving scenarios that sharpen decision-making skills, visitors will see how gaming builds digital literacy and critical thinking in a practical, engaging way.
One zone. Endless reasons to stay longer.
From hackathons and robotics to cosplay and esports, the Tech and Gaming Arena is set to be one of the most talked-about new additions to The Rand Show – designed to keep visitors moving, playing and discovering, all day long.
Educators and parents will also gain insight into how structured esports programs can be integrated into schools to support STEM learning, digital citizenship, and career pathways within the growing gaming and esports industry. RGB Gaming’s presence at the Arena highlights a powerful message: gaming, when guided and structured correctly, is not just entertainment — it is a platform for education, innovation, and future-ready skills development.
Whether competing, learning, or simply playing for fun, visitors can expect an immersive experience that demonstrates how esports can inspire the next generation of digital leaders.
The Rand Show 2026 takes place 2–6 April 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. For more information and tickets, visit www.randshow.co.za.
THE RAND SHOW PACKS IN FREE EXPERIENCES – and puts SA’s biggest consumer show within wide reach with R 50 opening
The Rand Show is reaffirming its place as South Africa’s most accessible and family-friendly exhibition by placing quality and value firmly at the centre of its 2026 offering. With a host of free activities included in the price of a ticket, as well as a special R50 opening day offer. The country’s most iconic show is making it easier than ever for everyone to experience its full scale, energy and variety.From the moment visitors step through the gates, The Rand Show delivers an experience where entertainment, discovery and participation are already built in. Across multiple halls and outdoor areas, ticketholders can enjoy live performances, interactive zones, educational exhibits and high-energy demonstrations without paying extra.The Rand Show Music Festival will once again feature a dynamic line-up of artists, dancers and performers, delivering live entertainment throughout the day. Marching displays add to the atmosphere, with rhythmic, high-impact performances that move through the showgrounds and draw crowds of all ages.New activations such as the immersive Tech and Gaming Arena – offering hands-on digital experiences; pop-up performances and surprise activations throughout the outdoor spaces; and a Beauty, Fashion, Bridal and Matric Fair, add another layer to the entertainment mix.Families with younger children can head to Hall 8, home of the much-loved Kids Zone, known for an awe inspiring themed ‘world’ and hands-on activities. 2025 featured an ‘Ocean Wanders’ world – and 2026 will not disappoint – with a newly themed activation, promising a magical experience.For thrill-seekers, motorsport drifting delivers a full-sensory spectacle as professional drivers showcase precision and power in live demonstrations, free for spectators to enjoy.The Big Bounce – a rugby field size jumping castle adventure – brings playful energy to the showgrounds, inviting both kids and adults to jump in and join the fun at no extra cost.“The Rand Show has always been about bringing people together and offering something for everyone,” says Adele Hartdegen, CEO of The Rand Show. “This year, the focus is firmly on delivering fun, entertainment and accessibility – making sure families, friends and communities can come and enjoy a full day of experiences that are included in the ticket price.”2 – 6 April 2026 | Johannesburg Expo Centre, NasrecFor more information, exhibitor details and ticket announcements, visit www.randshow.co.za.
About the Rand Show:
The Rand Show has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s expo scene for over 130 years. It offers businesses the perfect platform to showcase their products and services to a wide audience, from industry professionals to everyday consumers. The Rand Show 2026 is set to deliver excitement like never before, featuring unique experiences for everyone in the family. From great performances to interactive exhibits and incredible shopping, the 2026 show is #thebestplacetobe.
