As South Africa moves into 2026, the cannabis sector is shifting from informal and pilot phases into regulated commercial markets. This transition presents major opportunities for economic growth, job creation, innovation and exports amid rising global demand. However, regulatory clarity, market access and inclusion remain key challenges. Brett Hilton Barber, founder and publisher of Cannabiz Africa, unpacks what lies ahead for the industry and the path to sustainable regulation.

As South Africa moves into 2026, the cannabis sector is shifting from informal and pilot phases into regulated commercial markets. This transition presents major opportunities for economic growth, job creation, innovation and exports amid rising global demand. However, regulatory clarity, market access and inclusion remain key challenges. Brett Hilton Barber, founder and publisher of Cannabiz Africa, unpacks what lies ahead for the industry and the path to sustainable regulation.

A selection of the best content from POWER week, our Sunday current affairs show.

The best of POWER Week

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CANNABIS CORNER

Exodus & Rebirth traces Ras Adv Sipho Gideon Mantula’s journey through Rastafari, reggae and resistance, from the 1994 Mahikeng Uprising to a lifelong commitment to African liberation. Rooted in culture, education and human rights advocacy, his work reflects a rebuilding of African consciousness and spiritual identity. Mantula weaves music, activism and scholarship to inspire cultural revival, self-determination and justice across South Africa and the continent.

Exodus &amp; Rebirth traces Ras Adv Sipho Gideon Mantula&rsquo;s journey through Rastafari, reggae and resistance, from the 1994 Mahikeng Uprising to a lifelong commitment to African liberation. Rooted in culture, education and human rights advocacy, his work reflects a rebuilding of African consciousness and spiritual identity. Mantula weaves music, activism and scholarship to inspire cultural revival, self-determination and justice across South Africa and the continent.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: Exodus and Rebirth

A South African civil society campaign is urging Elon Musk’s xAI to strengthen safeguards on Grok amid concerns that the AI can generate nude images. Activists warn this poses serious risks around consent, exploitation and the escalation of online gender-based violence, calling for stronger ethical controls and accountability in AI development. William Bird, Director of Media Monitoring Africa, weighs in on the implications for digital rights and safety.

A South African civil society campaign is urging Elon Musk&rsquo;s xAI to strengthen safeguards on Grok amid concerns that the AI can generate nude images. Activists warn this poses serious risks around consent, exploitation and the escalation of online gender-based violence, calling for stronger ethical controls and accountability in AI development. William Bird, Director of Media Monitoring Africa, weighs in on the implications for digital rights and safety.

SA Campaign Urges Elon Musk to Block Nude AI Images on Grok

KwaZulu-Natal’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift as long-standing ANC dominance continues to wane. The IFP is regaining ground, particularly in rural areas, while the EFF is consolidating support in urban centres. These changes are fragmenting power across the province, ushering in an era of coalition politics and heightened competition. Election Analyst Wayne Sussman unpacks what this evolving balance of power means for governance and future elections in KZN.

KwaZulu-Natal&rsquo;s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift as long-standing ANC dominance continues to wane. The IFP is regaining ground, particularly in rural areas, while the EFF is consolidating support in urban centres. These changes are fragmenting power across the province, ushering in an era of coalition politics and heightened competition. Election Analyst Wayne Sussman unpacks what this evolving balance of power means for governance and future elections in KZN.

CANNABIS CORNER

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