Friday November 25, 2011.

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Brad Dubbelman.

Making headlines:

Outspoken South African politician Julius Malema submitted a legal appeal on Thursday against his five-year expulsion from the African National Congress for bringing the ruling party into disrepute, media reported.The ANC said this month its Youth League leader violated party rules and undermined foreign policy by calling for the overthrow of the democratically elected government of neighbouring Botswana.ANC officials, however, couldn’t confirm reports on several broadcasters that Malema had submitted his appeal.

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh headed for a new term on Friday with a partial tally showing he won 77.35% of votes in a poll criticised regionally for intimidation of opposition groups and voters.Former military coup leader Jammeh's victory is seen by many analysts as a foregone conclusion in a country known for palm-fringed tropical beaches but which is regularly accused by rights groups of repression of dissent and press-muzzling.The early count was released during the night by the Independent Electoral Commission based on a count of 13% of votes. Main opposition leader Ousainou Darboe scored 14.5% and independent candidate Amath Bah was on 8.3%.

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said yesterday the trade union would hold mass action at the end of February against Gauteng's toll roads.The Congress of South African Trade Unions would issue a final notice in the National Economic Development and Labour Council for the right to a protected strike. He told reporters in Johannesburg the tolls were to go ahead anyway, despite the public hearings, which he said have turned out to be a waste of time.Vavi said Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele had yet to respond to a request for a meeting, at which he would be required to explain why the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project was going ahead.

Also making headlines:
African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema accused the ANC leadership of double standards and not keeping to the party's history.

Rainfall patterns in southern Africa are becoming erratic as climate change takes its toll, threatening long-term production of staple and cash crops in the region.

And, ANC treasurer general Mathews Phosa says South Africa needs to clarify its position on key policy issues such as nationalisation to restore foreign confidence in the country's investment environment.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today.