December 4, 2025 – South Africa Headlines

Story gist: IPHC leader Mike Sandlana remains in custody after his bail application was postponed until March 2026. He is accused of bribing a High Court judge who was arrested for corruption.

Bias summary: Left-leaning IOL focuses neutrally on Sandlana’s custody and bail postponement, omitting supporter actions or judicial crisis. Center News24 emphasizes supporters demanding release of the ‘church leader’ accused of bribery, balancing perspectives. Right-leaning Democratic Alliance alarms on ‘judicial trust in crisis’ from judge’s corruption arrest, downplaying Sandlana’s role.

Story gist: South Africa’s DIRCO stated that the country’s non-invitation to the first G20 sherpas’ meeting under U.S. presidency constitutes a breach of protocol.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets provided no coverage, leaving South African and international perspectives on the exclusion absent. Center outlet (U.S. Embassy) framed the story neutrally as ‘United States Assumes Presidency of the Group of 20,’ emphasizing the U.S. role without mentioning South Africa’s snub, DIRCO’s protocol breach claim, or any diplomatic tension.

Story gist: South Africa’s Public Service Ministry lifestyle audits face delays due to skills shortage impeding anti-corruption efforts. The ministry plans to announce new integrity and ethical governance reforms.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like IOL frame the story positively, emphasizing the ministry’s announcement of new reforms with inviting ‘WATCH’ language and focus on integrity gains. Center outlets like News24 use neutral, problem-oriented tone, highlighting the ‘snag’ from skills shortage threatening audits. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting conservative views on government efficiency or corruption.

Story gist: Road fatalities in South Africa dropped to a record low during the festive season. Taxi industry leaders enforced strict safety measures during this period.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets provided no coverage, omitting progressive or conservative angles on road safety enforcement. Center outlet Freightnews.co.za framed the event neutrally and positively, headlining the factual record low in fatalities without referencing taxi bosses, emphasizing data over industry actions.