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Mbalula rubbishes US's claims that SA's G20 Presidency operated with 'spite, division'

African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the G20 Summit held in South Africa and led by President Cyril Ramaphosa was one of the "most successful", acknowledged as such by world leaders who attended.

This was in response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's claims that South Africa operated with "spite, division, and radical agendas that failed to produce economic growth".

Last month, South Africa hosted the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The US did not attend, accusing South Africa of unsubstantiated claims of persecution of Afrikaners.

"The numbers speak for themselves. As South Africa's economy has stagnated under its burdensome regulatory regime driven by racial grievance, and it falls firmly outside the group of the 20 largest industrialised economies," Rubio said in a blog post.

He claimed this "politics of grievance" was carried over to South Africa's G20 Presidency, and described it as "an exercise in spite, division, and radical agendas that have nothing to do with economic growth".

In its G20 Presidency, South Africa focused on climate change, diversity and inclusion, as well as aid dependency.

Rubio claimed South Africa blocked the US and other countries' inputs into negotiations.

"It actively ignored our reasonable faith efforts to negotiate. It doxed US officials working on these negotiations. It fundamentally tarnished the G20's reputation," he said.

Mbalula said on his X platform account that this was untrue and fake news.

He explained that the G20 Summit was premised on "solidarity, equality and sustainability".

Ten global leaders in attendance signed a declaration, which Mbalula said had been praised as one of the "most progressive" and a significant leap forward for positioning the Global South as an equal partner.

Mbalula said Americans had always been on the side of progress, citing their support for the anti-apartheid struggle, and said the recent posture taken by Donald Trump's administration was "rather unfortunate".

"…but our relations with the people of the US will never be severed by this passing imperialist flirting moment," he said.

Rubio further hit back at the "ANC-led" South African government, calling it radical and accusing it of scapegoating its own citizens and the US.

"As President Trump has rightly highlighted, the South African government's appetite for racism and tolerance for violence against its Afrikaner citizens have become embedded as core domestic policies. It seems intent on enriching itself while the country's economy limps along, all while South Africans are subject to violence, discrimination, and land confiscation without compensation.

"Its former Ambassador to the United States was openly hostile to America. Its relationships with Iran, its entertainment of Hamas sympathisers, and cozying to America's greatest adversaries move it from the family of nations we once called close," he added.

The US will be hosting the G20 Summit in December 2026, for which, it has already stated, it will not be extending an invitation to the South African government to participate.

Rubio said the US supported South Africans, but not the "radical ANC-led government", and said the US would not tolerate its "continued behaviour".

"When South Africa decides it has made the tough decisions needed to fix its broken system and is ready to rejoin the family of prosperous and free nations, the United States will have a seat for it at our table. Until then, America will be forging ahead with a new G20," he added.

Index reveals encouraging uptick in business confidence

Following two consecutive quarters of declines, the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB)/Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Business Confidence Index (BCI) rose by five points to 44 in the fourth quarter of this year, putting confidence three points above its long-term average.

This means that 44% of respondents are satisfied with prevailing business conditions.

In a BER media release, the companies note that the rebound is notable for its breadth, as confidence improved in five of the six sectors surveyed, with only building contractors registering weaker sentiment.

Taken together, the results suggest that the economy is regaining some momentum after remaining subdued in the middle of the year, the release notes.

The companies say this is in line with the modest improvement in activity seen in the GDP data released by Statistics South Africa on December 2, which showed that the economy expanded by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter (seasonally adjusted), marking the fourth consecutive quarter of economic expansion.

"The key positive is that the improvement is broad-based. Even among building contractors, the only sector to dip this quarter, sentiment remains close to its long-term average. While this is not a step-change, it is a meaningful turn in the right direction," says RMB chief economist Isaah Mhlanga.

The survey took place from November 10 to 24.

BER and RMB note that positive developments were observed just before and during this period, including the removal of South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, as well as a credit ratings upgrade by S&P Ratings.

In addition, local politics were relatively stable, with the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) being well received.

They noted that the rand was fairly strong and, importantly, stable.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) cut its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% towards the end of the survey period, which is positive for the more interest-rate-sensitive sectors of the economy, particularly new-vehicle dealers.

This was despite inflation ticking up during the quarter but supported by expectations of a lower inflation outlook amidst the confirmation of a shift to a lower inflation target of 3%.

The companies note that the most notable improvement came from the manufacturing sector, where confidence rose by 16 points to 39, although from a low level and thus still remaining among the most subdued among the surveyed sectors.

The rise in manufacturing business confidence followed three consecutive quarters of declines and brought confidence to its highest level since 2022.

From an economic momentum perspective, it is important to note that production did not improve in line with the rise in confidence, but fixed investment indicators continued to look a little better, which is important for long-term dynamics, says BER and RMB.

Retail confidence also saw a big jump of 11 points to 43, from the third quarter confidence level that was unexpectedly weak. The rise brought confidence in line with averages recorded post-Covid.

Importantly, sales volumes held up well relative to a strong fourth quarter last year, which is positive for consumer spending.

Wholesale confidence also looked better with a four-point rise to 42 and driven by better non-consumer goods sales volumes.

Consumer goods wholesalers' sales remained unchanged, which might be a warning sign that the sustained momentum in retail spending may wane into 2026.

Like wholesalers, new vehicle dealers saw confidence increase by four index points to 58 and remain the only sector where the majority of respondents are satisfied with prevailing business conditions.

Finally, the only sector where confidence declined was building contractors where sentiment moved lower by seven points to 39.

Despite the decline in sentiment, RMB and BER note that activity improved, which suggests that the sector continues to recover, but importantly the b...

DA lays criminal complaint against Tshwane deputy mayor, with Gerrie Nel's help

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane on Wednesday formally laid a criminal complaint against Tshwane Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise at the Brooklyn Police Station, assisted by the private prosecution unit of AfriForum under former National Prosecuting Authority prosecutor Advocate Gerrie Nel.

DA Tshwane spokesperson for finance Jacqui Uys said this follows the findings of a Tshwane investigative report that confirms that Modise failed to declare and divest his interests in Triotic Protection Services, a service provider of the municipality.

Uys said Modise continued to benefit from this contract in contravention of the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

She also pointed to a R59-million judgment granted in favour of the South African Revenue Service against Triotic Protection Services in August 2023, which she said raised the question whether, at material times, the company submitted the tax clearance certificate necessary to do business with the State.

She highlighted the need for a thorough investigation in terms of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act into the circumstances under which Triotic's contract with Tshwane was procured and extended.

Uys explained that Nel's assistance was to ensure that the case against Modise was properly investigated.

She said City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya knew since September that Modise benefitted "unlawfully" from a municipal contract.

"Yet she retains him as Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, a portfolio critical to Tshwane's financial recovery.

"Modise acts in her place during her numerous overseas trips, is allowed to make unilateral announcements about disputed salary increases with enormous financial implications for the City, and he routinely accompanies City officials on by-law enforcement operations despite his own contempt for the law," she said.

She held that Moya's "failure of leadership" set a bad example for Tshwane officials.

"…but it also confirms the extent to which parties like ActionSA, the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Patriotic Alliance have effectively become co-opted comrades willing to turn a blind-eye to the abuses of cadres like Modise," she said.

Ramaphosa leaves Bi-National Commission with Mozambique having inaugurated new gas facility

Concluding the fourth session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Mozambique, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo jointly launched a domestic gas processing unit built by Sasol which will reduce imports of this product by 75%, vowing to explore new vistas of opportunity and possibilities for both countries.

Speaking at the Bi-National, in Maputo, Ramaphosa said the two countries agreed on the need to implement decisions, identify opportunities and explore investment avenues for mutual benefit.

Ramaphosa explained that the launch of the $1-billion Integrated Hydrocarbons Infrastructure Facility, located in Inhambane province, exemplified how neighbouring countries can collaborate effectively and said the project also illustrated how public-private sector partnerships could be used successfully.

Both countries signed the memoranda of understanding, on Wednesday, which Ramaphosa said was a significant development and provided impetus towards concretising cooperation.

"Our current cooperation should be amplified through deeper cooperation in energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, financial services, telecommunications, health, tourism and hospitality.

"Our countries are endowed with rich natural resources, both on land and offshore. We will pursue cooperation in the defence and security sector, including on issues of border management," he said.

Ramaphosa announced that Mozambique was South Africa's largest trading partner on the African continent and the fourth in the world.

"We are committed to growing this partnership in a mutually beneficial manner. Many South African companies have invested in Mozambique," he said.

Ramaphosa noted that a lot of practical benefits have been achieved, highlighting that the countries have received a comprehensive report of the Council of Ministers, reflecting the work and outcomes of focused deliberations between senior officials and technical experts.

"We assessed progress since the third session of the Bi-National Commission in Pretoria in 2022. Let me also acknowledge with deep appreciation the contributions made by our Ministers, building on the hard work of the officials," he said.

Petrol price increases by 29c/ℓ on Wednesday

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has announced the latest fuel price adjustments based on current local and international factors.

From December 3, both Petrol 93 and Petrol 95 will increase by 29c/ℓ while diesel 0.05% sulphur will increase by 65.48c/ℓ and diesel 0.005% sulphur by 82.48c/ℓ.

Illuminating paraffin will increase by 74.48c/ℓ.

The maximum liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price will increase by 24c/kg nationally and by 9c/kg in the Western Cape.

The maximum refinery gate price and the maximum retail price of LPG that is imported through the Port of Saldanha Bay will, therefore, be R12 429/t and R32.99/kg, respectively.

South Africa's fuel prices are adjusted monthly, with international factors including the Brent Crude oil price and importation costs.

The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from $64.14 to $63.54 in the period under review, with the main contributing factors having been oversupply concerns.

The average international product prices of petrol were affected by lower inventories ahead of the winter season in the northern hemisphere owing to planned and unplanned refinery outages, which resulted in higher refinery margins.

These factors led to higher contributions to the basic fuel prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 28.97c/ℓ, 64.09c/ℓ and 72.04c/ℓ, respectively.

Moreover, the rand appreciated against the dollar, on average, from R17.29 to R17.23 in the period under review, which led to lower contributions to the basic fuel prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 3.36c/ℓ, 3.79c/ℓ and 3.76c/ℓ, respectively.

In respect of the slate levy, the cumulative slate amounted to a positive balance of R4.36-billion for petrol and diesel at the end of October. In line with the provisions of the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, a slate levy of zero cents per litre remains in the price structures of petrol and diesel as of December 3.

Notably, Mantashe approved a net increase of 3.6c/ℓ in the yearly margin adjustments on petrol and a net increase of 5.48c/ℓ on diesel and illuminating paraffin wholesale prices, effective December 3.

DA lays fraud charges against Tshwane deputy mayor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will on Wednesday lay fraud charges against Tshwane Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise at the Brooklyn Police Station.

Charges will be laid by Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink and DA Tshwane spokesperson for finance Jacqui Uys.

The charges follow an investigative report which concluded that Modise "unlawfully" benefitted from a multimillion-rand municipal security contract while he was a councillor.

The report indicated that Modise was in breach of conduct by allegedly benefiting from the business of Triotic Protection Services.

City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya is on Tuesday unpacking crime statistics in the City.

The party said it welcomed Moya's efforts to address crime in Tshwane, however, said she should confront criminality in her own administration.

The DA pointed out that Modise's presence at the crime strategy briefing raised serious questions.

"If the City is serious about fighting crime, it should first demonstrate zero tolerance for wrongdoing," the party said.

GDP grows by 0.5% in the third quarter

South Africa's GDP increased by 0.5% in the third quarter, following an increase of 0.9% in the second quarter, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)reports.

The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point to GDP growth. Increased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, retail trade, motor trade, accommodation and food and beverages.

The mining and quarrying industry increased by 2.3%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. The largest positive contributors were platinum group metals, manganese ore and coal.

The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 0.3%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for real estate activities and other business services.

General government services increased by 0.7%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. This was mainly owing to increased employment in national and provincial government and extra-budgetary institutions.

The personal services industry increased by 0.3%. Increased economic activities were reported for community services and other producers.

The transport, storage and communication industry increased by 0.5%. Increased economic activities were reported for air transport, transport support services and communication services.

The manufacturing industry increased by 0.3%. Four of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates. The largest positive contributions were reported for the food and beverages division and the furniture and other manufacturing division.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 1.1%. This was primarily owing to increased economic activities reported in field crops, horticulture and animal products.

The electricity, gas and water industry decreased by 2.5%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. This was largely dowing to decreases in electricity production and consumption.

EXPENDITURE ON GDP Household final consumption expenditure (HFCE) increased by 0.7%, contributing 0.5 of a percentage point to the total growth. Positive growth rates were reported for durable goods, non-durable goods and services.

The main positive contributors to the increase in HFCE were expenditures on transport (1.6% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point), food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.9% and contributing 0.1 of a percentage point), housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (0.9% and contributing 0.1 of a percentage point) and furnishings, household equipment and maintenance (2% and contributing 0.1 of a percentage point).

The negative contributors were expenditures on the 'other' category and clothing and footwear.

Final consumption expenditure by general government increased by 0.3%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point to the total growth. This was mainly driven by an increase in compensation of employees.

Gross fixed capital formation increased by 1.6%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to the total growth.

The main contributors to the increase were transport equipment (6.6% and contributing 0.7 of a percentage point), other assets (3.8% and contributing 0.4 of a percentage point), transfer costs (9.9% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point), non-residential buildings (2.7% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point) and machinery and other equipment (0.4% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point).

There was a R25.7-billion buildup of inventories (seasonally adjusted and annualised value). Large increases in three industries, namely trade, catering and accommodation; manufacturing; and electricity, gas and water, contributed to the inventory build-up.

Net exports contributed negatively (-0.4 of a percentage point) to expenditure on GDP. Exports of goods and services increased by 0.7%, largely influenced by increased trade in vegetable products and mineral products.

Imports of goods and services increased by 2.2%, largely influenced by incr...

Ramaphosa extends completion date for TRC inquiry to July

The commission of inquiry into political interference in the investigation and prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases has until July 31, 2026, to finalise its work.

On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the late start of the commission, outstanding documentary responses, applications for cross-examination and a recess from mid-December 2025 to early January 2026.

As a result, Ramaphosa amended the terms of reference, which now require the commission to complete its work on May 29, 2026, and submit its report by July 31, 2026.

Last month, the first sitting of the commission of inquiry, chaired by Justice Sisi Khampepe, got off to a rocky start, after it was postponed to November 26, following an objection by the National Prosecuting Authority and the Minister of Justice to the involvement of chief evidence leader, Advocate Ishmael Semenya, in the proceedings of the commission.

In May Ramaphosa signed a proclamation for a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Khampepe, assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Advocate Andrea Gabriel SC.

The original terms of reference of the commission provided that the commission would complete its work within a period of 180 days from the date of the Proclamation and submit its report to the President within 60 days after the date on which the commission completed its work.

Ramaphosa said the extension would aid the commission in completing its work without more delays and would provide the country with a "full account" of the circumstances that gave rise to the establishment of the commission.

Even the best NDPP will still face structural constraints if reform is not enacted - Mavuso

With six candidates having been shortlisted for possible appointment as the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso has stressed how critical this appointment is for business.

"The selection panel for the position must choose a candidate with prosecutorial experience and integrity, but structural reforms are essential to empower whoever is appointed," she cautions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a committee to select the next NDPP as the current incumbent Shamila Batohi is set to retire next year.

Batohi has spent the last seven years rebuilding an institution that was deeply compromised by State capture, Mavuso explains; however, structural constraints limit what any NDPP can achieve under the current framework.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) differs fundamentally from other institutions that were compromised by State capture. Mavuso mentions that the South African Revenue Service (Sars) has been able to recover more fully, in part because of structural advantages that the NPA lacks.

The Sars Commissioner has genuine authority over the organisation: he is the accounting authority, effectively the CEO, with the power to hire and fire senior staff. The appointment process for the Sars Commissioner was revised after the Nugent Commission to strengthen independence, though the President retains final decision authority.

In contrast, the NDPP does not have this independence or authority. The director-general of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is the accounting authority for the NPA, not the NDPP.

"The prerogative over senior appointments sits with the Justice Minister and the President, a power which, in the history of our democracy, has been invoked for good and ill. The NDPP is appointed for a non-renewable ten-year term, longer than the Sars Commissioner's renewable five-year term. Yet tellingly, no NDPP has ever completed a full term," Mavuso says.

The six-member NDPP selection panel is chaired by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, with members including Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke and South African Human Rights Commission chair Andrew Nissen, forming an experienced and credible group to guide the selection.

"They must make a wise decision, choosing someone with deep integrity and the skills to lead a complex organisation dealing with everything from organised crime to grand corruption. The next NDPP will need proven prosecutorial experience, the ability to rebuild institutional capacity and the courage to pursue justice without fear or favour," Mavuso reiterates.

She continues that the new NDPP can only exercise powers available within the current framework and that reform is needed. The NDPP ought to have the authority to reshape the organisation into an independent and highly competent one.

"This means granting the NDPP real control over senior appointments, making them the accounting authority responsible for the NPA's performance, and insulating prosecutorial decisions from political interference. Without these structural reforms, even the best appointment will face the same constraints that have affected previous NDPPs," Mavuso highlights.

The shortlisted NDPP candidates - Advocates Nicolette Bell, Hermoine Cronje, Andrea Johnson, Xolisile Khanyile, Adrian Mopp and Menzi Simelane, will be interviewed for the position on December 10 and 11.

BROADER ISSUE

Mavuso says the damage that State capture inflicted on the NPA is still visible in failed prosecutions.

She explains that the R2.2-billion corruption case against former Eskom boss Matshela Koko and others was struck off the roll in November 2023 owing to unreasonable delays.

The case against Moroadi Cholota, co-accused with former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, collapsed when a judge found the State had presented false information to US authorities to secure her extrad...

AfriForum blames Ramaphosa, ANC for friction with US

Lobby group AfriForum on Monday claimed that the "reckless" actions and policies of President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African National Congress (ANC) leaders are directly responsible for South Africa's deteriorated relationship with the US.

On Sunday, in a rare address to the nation, Ramaphosa said it was "regrettable" that the US chose not to participate in the G20 Leaders' Summit and the final meetings leading up to it.

"It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the US gave for its non-participation were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people," he said.

Earlier this week, government formally handed over the G20 Presidency for 2026 to the US, despite tensions.

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said during his Sunday speech, "Ramaphosa attempted to evade responsibility for the negative consequences of his own actions by falsely portraying the diplomatic crisis with the US as the result of so-called disinformation spread by groups in South Africa."

Ramaphosa said government was aware that the stance taken by the US administration had been influenced by a "sustained campaign of disinformation" by groups and individuals in the country, in the US and elsewhere.

Kriel said it was understandable that Ramaphosa did not name those he accused of disinformation, as there were "no facts" about who allegedly spread disinformation or, when and where it took place.

AfriForum and its associated organisations, including Solidarity, have been accused of initiating a disinformation campaign against South Africa, in the US.

"Media institutions that attempted to accuse AfriForum of disinformation have already had to officially apologise to AfriForum on eight occasions for spreading lies about AfriForum," Kriel added, referring to court proceedings that had been settled in AfriForum's favour.

He blamed Ramaphosa's signing of the Expropriation Act for US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw numerous forms of US funding from South Africa.

"Ramaphosa's signing of the Bela Act, which threatens the survival of Afrikaans schools and consequently Afrikaans cultural communities, also sent a strong message to the US that Afrikaans-speaking minorities in the country are being targeted. This message has been reinforced by the fact that Ramaphosa still flatly refuses to condemn the 'Kill the Boer' call for ethnic violence against Afrikaners," he added.

Kriel reaffirmed that AfriForum was committed to playing a "constructive role" in salvaging South Africa's deteriorating relationship with the US.

AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement said they had presented proposed solutions to Ramaphosa and other ANC leaders on several occasions, that have allegedly been ignored.

"Ramaphosa's blatant disregard for attempts to find solutions makes a mockery of his statement that he is committed to finding 'South African solutions to South African problems'," said Kriel.