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

Making headlines: Moody's says South Africa's budget update is credit positive; EFF, Ramaphosa congratulate Brazil’s Lula on fourth term; And, Uganda imposes 21-day quarantine on citizens returning from Congo

Moody's says South Africa's budget update is credit positive

Moody's Ratings said in a report released today that South Africa's medium-term budget policy statement was positive for the country's credit profile, citing tighter monetary policy, continued fiscal consolidation despite higher oil prices, and weaker nominal GDP growth than assumed in February.

Moody's rates South Africa Ba2 with a positive outlook. The issuer did not announce a rating action.

The government cut its fiscal 2026 consolidated deficit target to 3.9% of GDP from 4.0% in the policy statement, helped by a R17.1-billion upward revision to gross tax revenue.

Moody's forecasts government debt at 84.9% of GDP by fiscal 2028, from about 86.8% in fiscal 2025, saying debt has probably peaked.

EFF, Ramaphosa congratulate Brazil’s Lula on fourth term

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the EFF have extended congratulations to Brazilian President Lula da Silva following his election comeback on Sunday, securing a fourth term.

The win has been hailed by the EFF and Ramaphosa as a defining moment for democracy, the Global South, and the ongoing fight against global inequality.

In a statement, the EFF expressed “profound relief” at Da Silva’s victory, framing it as a crucial defence of democratic institutions.

The party called on Da Silva to use his renewed mandate to confront deep-seated inequality, improve the material conditions of workers and the poor, and fiercely defend Brazil’s national sovereignty.

Ramaphosa offered words of solidarity, emphasising the global resonance of the election outcome.

And, Uganda imposes 21-day quarantine on citizens returning from Congo

Ugandan citizens returning to the country with a history of travel to Democratic Republic of Congo will be quarantined for 21 days, its Health Minister said as Uganda tightened Ebola precautions.

Uganda says it is Ebola-free after declaring an end to its latest outbreak in July, but there has been concern among health experts after two people who had recently passed through the country later tested positive in Kenya and Nigeria.   

Uganda says it is investigating the Nigerian case, which involves the wife of a Swiss diplomat. The woman returned from Uganda through Addis Ababa to Abuja on October 3, according to Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control, which said she is in isolation and has improved remarkably.

The agency said 53 contacts had been traced.

Ugandan officials are reviewing genomic sequencing, travel information, interactions and movements in coordination with Nigerian authorities and international partners.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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