South Africa: Top news – November 2025

Passenger-Car Sales Surge

In November 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 12.5% year-on-year to 54,896 units, with passenger cars up 11% to 39,158 units. The Toyota Starlet Cross made a comeback to the top 10 best-selling passenger vehicles after six months, while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained first place thanks to strong rental fleet demand.

Bakkie Market Records Highs

The light-commercial vehicle segment surged 20.5% year-on-year to 13,048 units, marking its eighth consecutive month of growth. The Toyota Hilux remained South Africa’s most popular bakkie with over 3,000 units sold for six straight months, while the GWM P-Series hit a four-year sales high.

Historic G20 Summit in Johannesburg

South Africa hosted the first-ever G20 summit on African soil from November 22–23, 2025, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. The event drew leaders from 42 countries and institutions, though the United States boycotted under President Donald Trump. The summit emphasized Africa’s priorities, with the final declaration highlighting themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

JSE Among World’s Best-Performing Markets

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) ranked as one of the top-performing global stock markets in November 2025, driven by surging metal prices. The FTSE/JSE Capped SWIX Index rose 2.3% month-on-month, contributing to a 51% year-to-date gain in dollar terms. Gold and platinum miners were the standout performers, with prices up 62% and 84% respectively since January 2025.

Political and Social Developments

• Former President Jacob Zuma’s daughter was sworn in as an MP for the MK Party in early December, reflecting ongoing shifts in South Africa’s political landscape.
• Courts ordered action against xenophobic protests at health clinics, highlighting tensions in public services.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the G20 despite US pushback, signaling continued engagement in global governance.

In summary: November 2025 was a pivotal month for South Africa, marked by strong vehicle sales, a historic G20 summit, and global recognition of its stock market performance. Political developments and social challenges also underscored the country’s dynamic environment.