For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: ANC says Mandela Day should be seen as constructive platform for mobilisation, education; ANC takes swipe at GNU partner’s MP over alleged ‘misinformation campaign’; And, G20 finance chiefs approach consensus in South Africa despite US tariff tensions

ANC says Mandela Day should be seen as constructive platform for mobilisation, education

African National Congress national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri acknowledged today that while significant accomplishments and milestones achieved honour former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy, challenges remain.

As the world celebrates Mandela Day, the ANC issued a call to all its structures, members, supporters, and to society to renew their commitment to service and elevate grassroots initiatives.

Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC committed itself to strengthening the capacity of its developmental State and renewing the ANC.

Mandela Day should be seen as a constructive platform for mobilisation and education and not merely a day for charity, she said.

July 18, 2025, marks the 107th birthday of the ANC leader and first President of a democratic South Africa.

ANC takes swipe at GNU partner’s MP over alleged ‘misinformation campaign

Meanwhile, the party said it is unhelpful that political parties within the Government of National Unity are engaged in a “relentless campaign” that appears to support punitive actions against South Africa.

The party condemned what it termed Democratic Alliance spokesperson on International Relations & Cooperation Emma Louise Powell’s apparent efforts to undermine the South African government’s response that seeks to roll back the US’s new tariff regime.

Powell came under fire following a news article that accused her of spreading disinformation about South Africa during a trip to the US, amid the already strained relationship between both countries.

Bhengu-Motsiri said this was a “complex and sensitive process”, and accused “non-State actors”, such as Powell, of engaging the US government and Congress to “perpetuate negative perceptions” of South Africa.

And, G20 finance chiefs approach consensus in South Africa despite US tariff tensions

Finance chiefs of G20 countries are close to agreeing a common position on trade and other global challenges today, which would be the first since US President Donald Trump's election victory and tariff war.

The G20, which emerged as a forum for cooperation to combat the 2008 global financial crisis, failed to reach a joint stance when finance ministers and central bankers met in February, to the dismay of hosts South Africa.

An agreement now in the coastal city of Durban would be considered an achievement even though G20 communiques are non- binding and the precise wording is unclear.

Chief of strategy, analysis and research at the United Nations Development Programme Africa Raymond Gilpin said an agreement has not been issued yet but there's going to be a communique.

Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said he was cautiously optimistic the meeting would result in a final communique. An official of another G20 country, who requested not to be identified, expressed similar optimism.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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