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

Making headlines: GDP contracts by 0.3% in the third quarter; Ramaphosa says SA will use G20 to focus on low-income countries; And, Namibia's ruling party takes lead in election results

GDP contracts by 0.3% in the third quarter

South Africa’s GDP decreased by 0.3% in the third quarter, following an increase of 0.3% in the second quarter.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 28.8%, contributing -0.7 of a percentage point to the negative GDP growth. This was primarily owing to decreased economic activities reported for field crops.

The transport, storage and communication industry decreased by 1.6%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. Decreased economic activities were reported for land transport and transport support services.

The trade, catering and accommodation industry decreased by 0.4%. Decreased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, motor trade and food and beverages.

General government services decreased by 0.1%, mainly owing to decreased employment in national and provincial government and extra-budgetary institutions.

The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 1.3%, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for financial intermediation, insurance and pension funding, auxiliary activities, real estate activities and other business services.

Ramaphosa says SA will use G20 to focus on low-income countries

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence in South Africa’s ability to present “the most impressive G20”, stating that under the country’s leadership, the intergovernmental forum will seek to advance sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits, liquidity challenges and extend debt relief to developing economies.

Ramaphosa was speaking during the launch of South Africa's G20 Presidency in Cape Town today, where he pointed out that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola will lead the country’s G20 process.

South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on December 1, making it the first African country to lead the organisation for a rotational, one-year term.

South Africa has adopted the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ for its Presidency.

Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would use the G20 to bring the development priorities of the African continent and the Global South more firmly onto the forum’s agenda.

And, Namibia's ruling party takes lead in election results

Namibia's ruling SWAPO party led the presidential and parliamentary races today, a week after voting took place in an election marred by technical challenges.

SWAPO, which has governed the southern African nation since leading it to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, fielded Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its presidential candidate. If victorious, she would become Namibia's first female leader.

Results were initially expected a few days after the November 27 poll, but voting was extended to November 29 and November 30 at several polling stations after some voters were unable to cast their ballots on election day due to technical difficulties and ballot paper shortages.

This morning, the electoral commission's election portal showed Nandi-Ndaitwah was leading the presidential race with 54.82% of the vote after 65.57% of votes had been counted.

To win the presidency, a candidate must secure over 50% of votes, failing which a run-off is required.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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