Major mining company to cut 2,400 jobs, and ANC delegates warned against battling for a ‘sinking ship’

Today, 4 December, at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating police corruption, suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi will continue his testimony. 

Mkhwanazi’s testimony will be followed by that of suspended police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who briefly began his testimony on Tuesday.

During his initial appearance, he stated that the initial mandate for the now disbanded Political Killings Task Team was six months and that the unit should have been disbanded a long time before he terminated it in December 2024.

African National Congress (ANC) party delegates are expected to elect new Johannesburg regional leadership this afternoon, who will steer the party for the next three years. 

The current chair of the Johannesburg region for the ANC is Mayor Dada Morero. His term officially ends today, and if not reelected, he will be replaced.

Former President Jacob Zuma and French arms company Thales are expected to appear in court today in a new attempt to be acquitted on all charges related to the arms deal corruption case. 

The former president and Thales figures are applying for leave to appeal the Pietermaritzburg High Court’s dismissal of their application to be acquitted.

They argue that the death of two key Thales figures means that the defence lawyers will not be able to mount a meaningful defence without the evidence from the two men. 

The Rand is trading at R17.05 to the dollar today, from R17.07 at the close of business on Wednesday. 

Here are five other big things happening in South Africa today:

Major mining company to cut 2,400 jobs – BusinessTech

Glencore’s ferrochrome venture is looking to shut down two major smelters, citing an unsustainable rise in electricity costs.

Lesufi warns Joburg ANC against fighting for a sinking ship – TimesLive

Panyaza Lesufi warned those contesting positions during the ANC’s Joburg regional elective conference against factional battles while the party faces serious decline.

Suspended top cop says tenderpreneur forged his signature for dodgy contract – EWN

Suspended acting chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department told the Madlanga Commission that the authority used by Cat Matlala was forged.

The South African boys’ school that produced two World Rugby players of the year – Newsday

Two World Rugby Players of the Year, Malcolm Marx and Bryan Habana, attended King Edward VII School, which was nominated as the top boys’ sports school in 2025.

Proposed national tax on gambling facing stiff opposition – Daily Investor

Critics of the proposed tax have warned that it will push individuals to use offshore and illegal gambling alternatives. However, the National Treasury disagrees.