November 19, 2025 – South Africa Headlines

Story gist: ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula dismissed rumors of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s resignation, calling them ‘ghost stories.’ The statements occurred amid speculation within the ruling African National Congress in South Africa.

Bias summary: Left-leaning IOL emphasizes a DA leader’s warning that ousting Ramaphosa would be a ‘massive mistake,’ framing the story to support Ramaphosa’s stability. Center outlet News24 neutrally reports Mbalula’s dismissal of rumors without additional commentary. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting potential criticism of Ramaphosa or ANC leadership from a conservative perspective.

Story gist: Brown Mogotsi alleged at Madlanga that Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accepted a secret bribe from Cat Matlala. The claim links to King Misuzulu, Mthethwa, and Thabo Bester.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets omitted coverage, absenting progressive angles on corruption in traditional leadership. Center outlets like eNCA framed the story by listing interconnected figures such as King Misuzulu and Thabo Bester, emphasizing scandal linkages without sensationalism. Right-leaning outlets also lacked reports, missing conservative emphasis on accountability or institutional reform.

Story gist: South Africa announced it will refuse further charter flights carrying Palestinians from Gaza due to fears of a ‘cleansing agenda.’ Hundreds of Gazans had already arrived on previous such flights, prompting questions about their arrangement.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The New York Times emphasize the mysterious aspects of the prior flights and South Africa’s questioning, highlighting intrigue and potential irregularities. Center outlets like the BBC report neutrally on the halt and the cleansing fears, focusing on official reasons without added drama. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting perspectives on immigration controls or geopolitical alliances.

Story gist: The United States criticized South Africa’s hosting of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, describing it as ‘basically the G100.’ The US stated it will oppose the G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Daily Maverick emphasize the US’s firm opposition to the declaration, framing it as a clear diplomatic stance against South Africa’s agenda. Center outlets like News24 highlight the critical quote ‘basically the G100,’ focusing on the summit’s perceived expansion. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting perspectives that might portray the US criticism as justified or escalate anti-South Africa rhetoric.

Story gist: Johannesburg launched a makeover initiative ahead of the G20 summit in South Africa. Widespread road closures will affect access to O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets omitted coverage, absenting potential framings on government expenditure critiques from the left or economic opportunity emphases from the right. The center outlet adopts a practical tone, issuing warnings about road disruptions and airport access impacts on daily life for South Africans, focusing on logistical details without political or ideological emphasis.