South Africa News Today
Get the latest trending news in South Africa — from international finance summits, retail growth, political destabilizations, and economic threats.
G20 Finance Chiefs Meet in Durban Amid Tariff Tensions
G20 finance ministers convened in Durban under South African presidency theme: "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability." The session is, however, marred by challenges from U.S. tariffs—like possible duties on steel, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals—and below-forecast attendance from big hitters like the U.S., India, France, and Russia. South Africa is expected to issue its first joint communique during its presidency as geopolitics intensify (Reuters).
Retail Sales Grow Middlingly in May
Statistics South Africa numbers indicate retail sales rose 4.2% year-on-year in May, slowing from April's 5.2% growth. Month-to-month sales grew 0.1%—showing continued recovery but weakening (Reuters).
⚠️ U.S. Tariffs Threaten South African Exports & Jobs
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago warns that impending U.S. tariffs (from August 1) could threaten 100,000 jobs, primarily in the motor vehicle and agriculture sectors. Exports including motor vehicles, wine, table grapes, and citrus have already seen dramatic declines (Reuters).
?⚖️ Police Minister Suspended Over Organized Crime Allegations
President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and instituted a judicial commission after accusations of his interaction with organized crime. The move is an extension of fears of corruption, coalition unity, and police public trust (The Times).
ArcelorMittal Warns of Steel Plant Closure, Job Losses
ArcelorMittal South Africa warns of dismal progress to save its loss-making long steel operations due to costly production and low demand. Shutdown by September could risk 3,500 jobs in the sector.
First Phase of High-Speed Rail Project Set to Launch
South Africa reveals plans for a 500 km high-speed rail link between Pretoria and Polokwane, with construction scheduled late 2026 and services beginning by 2030—a ambitious move to upgrade national transport networks (Wikipedia).
Floods Cause Havoc in Eastern Cape in June
The June Eastern Cape floods were a national disaster, killing over 100 people and displacing over 6,000. Emergency relief is still continuing as affected regions recover (Wikipedia).
✔️ Daily News Summary
| Category | Headline Highlights |
|---|---|
| International | G20 finance summit in Durban under tariff backlash |
| Economy | Retail up 4.2% in May; Rand stable |
| Trade | 100k jobs and best exports in danger from U.S. tariffs |
| Politics | Police Minister suspended as corruption probe unravels |
| Industry | ArcelorMittal warns plant closure, 3,500 jobs threatened |
| Infrastructure | Pretoria-Polokwane high-speed rail project in progress |
| Disaster | Over 100 individuals lost lives in Eastern Cape floods |
South Africa news today- G20 Durban meeting 2025
- South Africa retail sales May 2025
- U.S. tariffs jobs risk South Africa
- Suspension of Senzo Mchunu
- ArcelorMittal South Africa factory closure
- South Africa high-speed train
- Eastern Cape floods June 2025