Star 2025-11-25

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…