SA rejects junior US G20 delegation, Mogotsi says lying is part of his job

Today, 21 November, the Rand is trading at R17.24 to the Dollar, weakening from R17.15 at the close of business on Thursday.

Thousands are expected to participate in a national shutdown today against gender-based violence. Women and members of the LGBTQI+ community have been called on to refrain from paid and unpaid work and not participate in the economy. 

Thousands will gather at Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town to take part in the shutdown, and many businesses across South Africa will be closed.

World leaders are arriving in Johannesburg for the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend. Some, such as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Union Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen, are already in town. 

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will hold a press conference today ahead of the Summit. 

In the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, well-known Lekompo musician Lehlohonolo Chauke, will appear on charges of attempted murder, malicious damage to property and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is expected to apply for bail.

In the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court, a 26-year-old woman, arrested in connection with a fatal shooting at Inxiweni Primary School, will appear today.

She is suspected of shooting and killing the principal and an administration clerk at the school on Tuesday, 18 November. 

Here are five big things happening in South Africa today:

SA says no to junior US delegation for G20 handover – TimesLive

Pretoria says it is not willing to accept a decision by the US to send its ambassador’s deputy to the G20 handover ceremony.

Lying is part of my job as an agent, says Mogotsi – City Press

Brown Mogotsi, testifying at the Madlanga Commission, says lying under oath is part of his job as a self-styled “state agent.”

SAPS procurement boss says Matlala’s Tembisa Hospital R360m bid should have been disqualified – EWN

Appearing before Parliament on Thursday, SAPS head of procurement Molefe Fani, said the R360 million tender awarded to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala should have been disqualified.

Reserve Bank cuts interest rate – Newsday

The South African Reserve Banks Monetary Policy Committee voted to cut the country’s interest rates by 25 points.

Former South African international relations minister’s US visa revoked – Newsday

Naledi Pandor, who now chairs the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said that she received an email from the US Consulate in Cape Town shortly after returning from a trip this week.