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.
South Africa’s largest and most iconic consumer show runs 2–6 April at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec
The countdown is on. The Rand Show 2026 is South Africa’s largest and most iconic consumer show. It takes over the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec from 2–6 April 2026. Show hours are daily 09h00-19h00, with entrance gates closing at 18h00. Enjoy five full days of shopping, family fun, live entertainment and crowd-pleasing spectacle. Everything is built around one promise: a full day out with something for everyone.
Live entertainment: Main Stage highlights:Thu 2 April: JazziQ (16:00) + Mr Keyz (12:00)Fri 3 April: Nkosazana Daughter (16:00) + OVERJOY (13:00) + Mr Keyz (12:00)Sat 4 April: Morda (16:00) + Soweto’s Finest (14:00) + Mr Keyz (12:00)Sun 5 April: Zola Seven (16:00) + DJ Young (15:00) + OVERJOY (13:00) + Soweto’s Finest (14:00) + Mr Keyz (12:00)Mon 6 April: Kelvin Momo (16:00) + Soweto’s Finest (14:00) + Mr Keyz (12:00)Kids’ Zone (Hall 8): daily stage shows and family experiences – included in the ticket
Hall 8 is bigger and better, featuring:Jungle Magic — a larger-than-life sensory jungle world that transforms a hall into an immersive experience filled with bold colour, jungle soundscapes, giant feature creatures, an indoor waterfall moment and a brave zone for curious kids.Dienkie and Doodles — one show dailyFreddy the Frog and Ivy’s Wild Adventure — two shows dailyPlay zones, interactive learning areas, parent lounges, trampoline fun – plus the headline new experience:
This year, the promise goes beyond fun. Alongside headline entertainment, The Rand Show is opening the future – by giving all South Africans a space to learn, explore and be exposed to the role of technology and gaming in everyday life, education and opportunity. The new Tech and Gaming Arena is designed not only to entertain, but also to educate, inspire curiosity, and introduce future-ready skills in a way that is accessible to families, learners, parents, and young adults. From robotics, coding, and the logic behind programming demos to structured school tournaments, strategy, and digital literacy, to sessions on study and career pathways and free play sessions. In short: this is entertainment with purpose – a zone designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and expose all visitors to the technology shaping modern life.
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.
