Table of contents for 2025-11-25 in Mercury

South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 culminated in a far-reaching set of agreements as world leaders adopted a comprehensive Declaration in Johannesburg over the weekend, marking the first G20 Summit ever held on African soil. The declaration, running across global economic governance, debt sustainability, climate action, disaster resilience, food security, technology and inclusive development, positions Africa at the centre of global decision-making while reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to solidarity, equality and sustainability. Meeting against the backdrop of geopolitical instability, slowing global growth, worsening climate impacts and rising debt distress across the developing world, leaders committed to renewed multilateral cooperation and emphasised the African philosophy of Ubuntu as the guiding ethos of the 2025 Presidency. A major outcome was the G20’s renewed focus on addressing unsustainable debt levels, particularly in low-income…

Government’s recent finalisation of the revised and recalibrated Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) is expected to open the door for major Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to scale up New Energy Vehicle (NEV) production in South Africa. According to Standard Bank, the enhanced policy framework positions the country as a strategic production and export hub for next-generation mobility, particularly for the European market. The drawcard lies in South Africa’s duty-free access to Europe, with the potential for increased exports, economic growth and deeper regional industrial cooperation. Several leading Chinese automakers have already initiated feasibility studies to explore establishing assembly plants in the country. While no firm commitments have been announced, the level of activity indicates strong intent. Brands such as Chery, GWM and BAIC have cemented their presence in…

The DA leader John Steenhuisen has been accused of applying ‘ANC tactics’ to purge his political opponents ahead of the party’s elective conference next year. Steenhuisen, who is also Agriculture Minister, is in a fierce public war with his fellow Federal Executive (FedEx) and a senior party leader, Dion George. The DA leader had made a request to President Cyril Ramaphosa for George to be dismissed as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. Steenhuisen also asked that George be replaced by Willem Aucamp, who has since been appointed. George is the federal chairperson responsible for the party’s finances. Although FedEx cited poor performance as a reason for asking Ramaphosa to sack George, political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast said a factional battle is playing out in the DA ahead of next…

Amazulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has elevated Inkosi Malusi Zondi to the position of Royal Chancellor. Zondi, a well-known businessman in Durban and president of the Black Business Forum, was recently appointed as the king’s representative in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. He was tasked with looking after the interests of the king’s subjects in these two major cities in KwaZulu-Natal. The king announced Zondi’s new position during the official installation of Inkosi Praisegod Ngcobo on Saturday. The king said that Zondi has a new role in the Zulu kingdom and will strive to create good relations with other kingdoms. “I wish to inform amakhosi (traditional leaders) about Zondi’s new role. Initially, I had appointed him as my ‘eye’; however, now I have decided to remove him from that position and make him…

The South African Department of Basic Education has initiated a significant overhaul of the existing school calendar system, aiming to introduce a framework that is applicable to all nine provinces. One of the most noteworthy changes was the introduction of a singular national school calendar. This move marks the end of the previous staggered system where inland and coastal provinces operated on different academic schedules. By harmonising the school start dates, the department envisions a streamlined educational experience for South African learners, regardless of where in SA they reside. In a bid to enhance operational efficiency, the department has also decided to eliminate consideration of holiday traffic when planning school holidays. Historically, the timing of school breaks was influenced by traffic patterns to ease congestion on major routes. However, the…

THE Hawks have arrested one of their own and a Tembisa Hospital official for corruption after they allegedly attempted to bribe a Hawks investigator with about R100 000 in cash on Sunday. “It is alleged that on Friday, 21 November 2025, a DPCI (Hawks) officer was approached by a 41-year-old suspect, a Sergeant from the DPCI. The Sergeant informed the officer that a 53-year-old Tembisa Hospital official wanted to meet regarding an ongoing investigation linked to the hospital. The Sergeant further indicated that the hospital official required assistance and was willing to offer gratification in order to avoid prosecution in the ongoing investigation,” said Hawks spokesperson Thandi Mbambo. The meeting between the Hawks member, the Tembisa Hospital official and the investigator took place on Sunday. Mbambo said it was during…

Despite US President Donald Trump’s claims that bad things are happening in South Africa, visitors from the United States have now overtaken those from the United Kingdom. This was revealed by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who said that flights from Washington and Newark to Cape Town and Johannesburg are fully booked, with airlines even considering adding more frequencies. “They are now ahead of the United Kingdom, which has led Denmark for many years. We’ve seen an increase in the number of flights between Washington, Newark, Cape Town and Johannesburg,” de Lille said in an interview with the SABC. “And those flights are fully booked. In fact, they are looking for more frequencies. So as far as tourism is concerned, you know, whatever happened in the geopolitical space had no…

There’s a particular moment when a football team stops being exciting and starts being inevitable – and Arsenal may be approaching that moment. This is not the free-flowing, wide-eyed Gunners of yesteryear, the ones that played beautiful triangles before abruptly remembering that they also needed to defend. Nor is it the tender, fragile Arsenal of Mikel Arteta’s early rebuild. This is something else entirely: a team that is winning games without ever seeming to hit top gear – the universal warning sign that a dynasty might be germinating. Manchester City fans know the feeling. Before they were the trophy-hoarding juggernaut we now accept as a natural force, they were something much duller: relentlessly efficient. They won matches they shouldn’t have, survived moments they had no right to survive, and played…

BHP confirms that it is no longer considering a combination with Anglo and Teck Resources BHP executives were left surprised after Anglo American rejected a fresh acquisition proposal that the Australian mining giant believed offered improved terms and better reflected the value of the London-listed group. On Monday, BHP confirmed it had abandoned plans to pursue a combination with Anglo American, whose shareholders are expected to approve the company’s tie-up with Canada’s Teck Resources next month. “Following preliminary discussions with the Board of Anglo American, BHP Group confirms that it is no longer considering a combination of the two companies,” BHP said on Monday. The company, said mining industry sources, had timed its latest offer to disturb Anglo American’s tie up process with Teck Resources. “It was always clear that…

South Africa’s agricultural organisations have welcomed the G20 Leaders’ Declaration issued over the weekend, saying its renewed focus on agriculture, food systems resilience and global food security marks a major step forward for the sector. G20 Leaders emphasised that progress depends on modernising agriculture, strengthening biodiversity and soil management, improving water and energy efficiency, reducing food waste, adopting climate-smart technologies and supporting smallholder and family farmers. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), on Monday said the statement is a welcome and necessary affirmation of the importance of World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules in global agriculture. “South Africa's agricultural sector is export-led, and the WTO plays an essential role in ensuring fairness in international trade. The fairness of global trade is also key to…

Invicta Holdings’ geographic diversification strategy and other initiatives to streamline the business and bed down investments paid off in the six months to September 30, despite the challenges facing South Africa’s industrial sector. The JSE-listed holding company that distributes engineering components, capital equipment, and related technical services across South Africa, Africa, Europe, and Asia, increased sustainable headline earnings a share by 19% to 285 cents in this period. Cash on hand stood at R931 million. The group acquired Spaldings in the UK, a distributor of agricultural and ground care components, on September 1, 2025, for about R250m. Invicta also repurchased and cancelled 3.1 million ordinary shares. On May 1, 2025, associate Kian Ann acquired 100% of US-Texas based Safe Harbor – a premium aftermarket parts supplier for various capital equipment.…

One person has died, two others are missing and several homes and roads have been washed away in New Hanover in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands due to a severe storm on Sunday. KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli yesterday expressed his condolences to the families affected by floods in New Hanover and the greater uMshwathi Local Municipality. “Three people went missing, and sadly one body has been recovered,” Premier Ntuli said. He said the victims were living in cottages built on the riverbank, and they were swept away when the floodwaters rose. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected and thank all those assisting in the recovery efforts.” The Premier urged residents to heed weather warnings and government alerts. “We have repeatedly highlighted the need to relocate structures in flood-prone…

Marking for the 2025 matric examinations is set to begin at 32 centres across KwaZulu-Natal, with officials calling on educators to maintain professionalism and prioritise their well-being as the province enters the final phase of the National Senior Certificate exam cycle. KwaZulu-Natal Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the MEC Sipho Hlomuka “congratulates the majority of the learners that have completed their writing of exams”, with the last papers scheduled to conclude on 27 November. He said the department wishes strength to the thousands of markers appointed across the province and reminded them of the importance of managing the demands of the period. Mahlambi said the MEC had urged that markers ensure that they take care of their well-being during the marking period, especially those on chronic medication. With marking taking…

Business owners and other interested parties in the country's business sector have a few days left to comment on the draft Business Licensing Bill. The public comment period runs until November 28. The comment period for the bill, which was released by the Department of Small Business Development for public comment in September, was extended to November due to heightened interest, according to the department. The aim of the Bill, according to a Cabinet statement, is to amend the Business Act of 1991, and the amendments seek to establish a modern and efficient business licensing framework that fosters economic growth and regulatory efficiency and also protects the participation of South Africans in the informal sector. If passed, it will make it law that a registry of all businesses operating within…

LIVESTOCK farmers found to be risking the biosecurity of South Africa by importing and using a Kenyan Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine that is not licensed for use locally will face ‘harsh consequences’, says the Department of Agriculture. The warning came after Milk South Africa raised concerns about the conduct of some livestock farmers, saying that as much as the organisation sympathised with the plight of farmers, it “cannot condone the practice”. “Importing any medication that is not licensed in South Africa is a criminal offence. Milk SA condemns the practice in the strongest terms. To import an unregistered scheduled medication requires a Section 21 application to be submitted to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). “There are specific guidelines for the importation and distribution of scheduled…

“I just want to be like you!” These were the humble words of Marco Jansen in response to legendary Proteas all-rounder Shaun Pollock yesterday. Jansen may hold Pollock, who claimed 421 Test wickets and struck 3 781 runs in an illustrious Test career, in high esteem, but the lanky all-rounder has already outdone his hero in this on-going second Test against India in Guwahati. The Proteas are in a commanding position, leading by 314 runs, with two days remaining. The 25-year-old may have been disgusted with himself in getting out seven runs shy of his maiden Test century in the Proteas’ first innings, but his 93 was more than double Pollock’s best off 44 on Indian soil. But it is with the ball more than anything else that Jansen…

It’s undoubtedly a blow to be without several frontline stars for this weekend’s final Test of the 2025 season, but the Springboks have grown used to constant team changes over the past year – and they should still approach Saturday’s clash against Wales with minimal disruption. The match in Cardiff falls outside World Rugby’s international window, leaving both sides without key players. Even so, the world champions are expected to have too much depth and quality for their hosts at the Principality Stadium. South Africa will be missing World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, Boan Venter, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager (suspended), RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handré Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe, all of whom…

Mamelodi Sundowns will face an early examination of their CAF Champions League ambitions when they travel to Algeria for a tough away clash against MC Alger on Friday. It is arguably their most demanding fixture in the group stage, made even more intriguing by the prospect of reuniting with former coach Rulani Mokwena, who now leads the Algerian side and will be plotting against the team he once guided to major continental success. Mokwena played a central role in Sundowns’ recent rise, including steering the club to the inaugural African Football League title with a commanding 4–1 victory over Wydad Casablanca towards the end of 2023. His presence on the opposite touchline adds an emotional subplot to a match already carrying significant weight for the visitors. The 38-year-old coach guided…

Naspers Ecommerce has reported a hefty 71% increase in interim profitability, with all operating businesses now profitable, CEO Fabricio Bloisi said Monday. The group, one of the biggest listed companies on the JSE and which holds the separately listed Europe-based subsidiary Prosus, is on track to meet guidance of $1.1 billion in adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (aEBITDA) for the year to end-March 2026, driven by strong performance in Latin America, Europe, and India. Ecommerce aEBITDA increased to $557 million from $326m results for six months to September 30, 2025, showed. In October, the group completed a five-for-one share split that has an impact on the earnings per share. Total core headline earnings increased to $1.7bn compared with R1.5bn at the same time a year before. “We…

Debt experts are cautioning that this year’s Black Friday shopping period could push already distressed South African consumers further into debt, as economic pressures continue to weigh heavily on households. Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, on Monday said the firm is “undeniably concerned” about the risk of consumers overextending themselves during the annual retail event. “While Black Friday used to be associated with excitement, luxury purchases, and once-off bargains, our latest survey shows a very different reality emerging for South Africans," Roets said. "This event has shifted from a feel-good shopping moment into a period that can easily trigger financial pressure and unnecessary debt for already strained households.” According to the survey, half of respondents believe Black Friday encourages people to take on debt they cannot afford, while one…

An eThekwini Municipality employee, who challenged the appointment of eThekwini municipal manager Musa Mbhele on the basis of alleged irregularities in the hiring process, is seeking leave to appeal in the Constitutional Court after the high court dismissed his case. The Pietermaritzburg High Court had dismissed the application. Joseph Mabaso is challenging the appointment of the city manager, arguing that it is irregular and non-compliant with the law, and has filed an application for leave to appeal with the Constitutional Court. His application was based on concerns that there were more councillors involved in the process than permitted by regulations. But the high court said that argument was not grounds to nullify the appointment. The court added that the appointment had not been challenged by the city’s council or the…

National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi has told the Nkabinde Inquiry that it was unlawful for Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke to push for the signing of an indictment in the Booysen matter without providing supporting evidence to the acting KwaZulu-Natal DPP at the time, Advocate Cyril Mlotshwa. Testifying before the inquiry, Batohi said emails, affidavits, and documents before the panel point to prima facie interference in prosecutorial decision-making—an issue at the heart of the inquiry’s terms of reference. The inquiry is probing Advocate Chauke's fitness to hold office. Batohi’s testimony is being led by Evidence Leader Advocate David Mahlomanyane. Explaining the nature of an indictment, Batohi said it is a document used in the High Court that sets out the charges against an…

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has expressed shock and outrage following a deadly shooting at Dube Hostel in Soweto on Saturday afternoon which claimed the life of one member and left two others injured. The incident occurred during an MK Party recruitment campaign drive event. According to a statement issued by the party, three members came under fire during the outreach programme. One member died at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Another was treated at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and discharged later that evening, while the third remains in critical condition. The party said police have since launched investigations into charges of attempted murder and murder. The MK Party conveyed its condolences to the family of Comrade Nzuza, who was killed, and extended support to the families of…

Police in KwaZulu-Natal are searching for a 29-year-old man, who is accused of attempting to kill his young nephew in Chesterville early last year and has absconded after being released on bail. According to a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal, police are seeking community assistance in locating Sduduzo Mavundla, who is wanted for the attempted murder of his nine-year-old nephew. The incident occurred on 4 January 2024 at the Phola area in Chesterville. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the child had gone to visit his grandfather when Mavundla allegedly “lured him into the bushes under the pretence that he was going to buy him snacks”. Once in the bushes, Mavundla reportedly confronted the child, telling him “that…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has released the names of the two people arrested in connection with the murders of school principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu, 58, and administrative clerk Nobantu Njombini, 55, who were shot dead at Inxiweni Primary School’s administration block last week. Gauteng NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane told journalists that Mokgadi Hope Shongwe, 26, and her co-accused, Tuki Benjamin Maditsi, 35, face murder charges in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court following the killings. Mjonondwane said the State was not yet ready to proceed with the pair’s bail application. “We have mentioned in court that the investigating officer tried in vain to verify the address of Ms Hope Shongwe, so that is still outstanding, including the profiling of both accused. “Both remain in custody until 1 December, when they will…

The Sharks will look to back up their first victory of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season when they face Connacht in Galway this weekend, knowing the Irish side has had the upper hand in recent encounters. John Plumtree’s team finally broke their winless start to the campaign with a composed 29-19 triumph over the Scarlets before the November break, a performance marked by improved defensive organisation, sharper breakdown work and far greater control with ball in hand. It was a much-needed result after three defeats and a draw to open the season, raising hopes that the Durban side may be turning a corner. However, Connacht present a far sterner test. The Irish province has won three of their last five clashes with the Sharks, including their most recent meeting…

The Springbok Sevens have set their sights on going back-to-back in Cape Town this December, as they look to defend their title. But to achieve that short-term goal, they know that a strong start this weekend in Dubai – the opening tournament of the revamped World Rugby SVNS Series – is non-negotiable if they want to build the momentum needed for their home event. Dubai has traditionally been a good hunting ground for the Blitzboks, but with the new sudden-death nature of the tournaments, every match becomes crucial. South Africa understands that laying a solid foundation in the United Arab Emirates will go a long way not just towards achieving their ambitions in the Mother City, but also towards setting the tone for the season ahead. According to captain Impi…

The cricket-crazed Manack family is set to be divided when Boland host the Warriors in the CSA T20 Challenge Qualifier 1 at Boland Park today. Boland will feature off-spinner Imran Manack, while Warriors boast top-order batter Muhammad Manack. The pair are cousins and are sons of the famed former South African Cricket Board and Transvaal stalwarts Abul-Haq Manack (Imran) and Hussein Manack (Muhammad), respectively. Hussein has also since served South African cricket in various capacities – as a member of the Gauteng Cricket Board – and has also acted as Proteas Men’s selector. He is a renowned commentator on SABC, too. Both Imran and Muhammed, who is in his first season at the Warriors after leaving the Lions at the end of last season, have played prominent roles in their…