Top Stories

Top Stories
Home Affairs sets record straight over ‘US officials arrested’ during Johannesburg raid
This latest incident is another chapter in deteriorating US-South African diplomatic relations.
Top Stories
LET IT FLOW: Water disconnect: Johannesburg Water points a finger at communities, communities point back
As Johannesburg Water vows to continue with its clampdown on defaulters, it has also pointed to illegal connections in informal settlements. But in the long-neglected settlements, residents point to shoddy communication, poor workmanship and dysfunction, and they argue that they have had to build lifelines where the system failed.
Top Stories

South Africa
Polokwane court to decide on musician Shebe Maburna’s bail
Polokwane court to rule on Shebe Maburna’s bail application

South Africa
Two charred bodies found in a fire in Alberton
Ekurhuleni EMS found two units ablaze after responding to an early morning structural fire call.

South Africa
LIVE: Minister briefs the media on Verulam building collapse
Minister Dean Macpherson briefs the media on the outcome of Verulam building collapse

South Africa
Stock family devastated by senseless death of DJ Warras
Family and friends watched DJ Warras’ body in CBD as police searched for his killers.

World
Recent attacks have been ‘inspired’ by Islamic State. What does that mean?
A decade ago, the self-proclaimed Islamic State group held vast swaths of territory across Iraq and Syria, but President Trump declared it destroyed in 2019.

World
Funerals begin for victims of Bondi Beach mass shooting
Hundreds of mourners gathered in Sydney, Australia, this week for the first funerals for the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

World
U.S. looks for countries willing to send peacekeepers to Gaza to maintain peace
After a ceasefire that has lasted more than two months, the U.S. is pushing for a lasting peace in Gaza.

World
U.N. peacekeeping mission winding down despite Israel violating ceasefire
UN peacekeepers in Lebanon face end of decades-old mission despite regular attacks by Israel breaking year-old ceasefire.

Africa
US accused of using illegal workers at centre processing refugee claims in South Africa
The seven Kenyans had previously been denied working visas and will now be deported, South Africa says.

Africa
Roads or rice fields – Madagascar’s highway dilemma
A plan for a brand new road that should boost trade comes at a cost to some farmers.

Africa
Defenders ‘scared’ of Nigeria’s Osimhen – Onyeka
Victor Osimhen is described as a striker “on another level” by team-mate Frank Onyeka ahead of Nigeria’s bid to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Africa
Sudan’s RSF trying to cover up mass killings in el-Fasher, researchers say
Satellite images show the paramilitary force is burying and burning bodies, Yale University researchers say.

Business
How would a cut in UK interest rates affect me?
The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.

Business
Good news surprise for South Africa comes with a harsh edge
Annual consumer price inflation eased in November, beating economist expectations—but rising meat prices are not slowing down.
Business
Business

Politics
NW Traditional leaders support IEC proposed e-voting ideas
The IEC is gathering views to see if it can introduce e-voting, i-voting or both in future elections

Politics
New ANCYL leadership urged to prioritise jobs and skills
The top six positions were elected unopposed, Collen Malatji has been re-elected as the president

Politics
Mixed political views mark Reconciliation Day
Some parties view the day as vital for unity and nation-building

Politics
Reconciliation must be a continuous commitment: UDM
UDM SG Zandile Phiri says true nation-building requires citizens’ active participation.

Sport
Shane Warne’s kids hope mother finds love with Coldplay star
Brooke and Jackson Warne are playing matchmaker for their mother, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin emerging as a potential suitor.

Sport
First GB athletes named for Winter Paralympics
Defending Paralympic champion Neil Simpson leads the first wave of athletes named in the Great Britain squad for next year’s Winter Games in Italy.

Sport
Fukofuka appointed Scotland women head coach
Australian former United States women head coach Sione Fukofuka is appointed head coach of Scotland women.

Sport
‘Missing in front of 70,000 doesn’t come into your mind’
Former Gaelic footballer Charlie Smyth says he is “soaking it all in” after his game-winning field goal for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.
Education
Nigeria: Ebonyi – Provost Expresses Concern Over Security Challenges in Institution
[Leadership] The provost, Ebonyi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ngbo, Mrs Chetachi Jerry Usulor, has expressed concern over security and other challenges facing the institution and called for concerted effort by the state government and other individuals in the state in addressing such challenges.
Education
Harvard Secretly Investigates Students Over Larry Summers Video on Epstein
The students face discipline for recording Mr. Summers, the former Harvard president, discussing his ties to Jeffrey Epstein in a Harvard class.
Education
Free Nigerian Students Recount Mass Kidnapping
Survivors of the St. Mary’s Catholic School abduction in Nigeria recall their harrowing ordeal and release.

Education
EU Erasmus scheme to reopen to UK students for first time since Brexit
Deal agreed for £570m to rejoin exchange programme in 2027, fulfilling Labour election manifesto pledge
Europe live – latest updates
Young people across the UK will be able to study or gain work experience through the EU’s Erasmus scheme for the first time since Brexit, after the government announced an agreement to rejoin at a cost of £570m.
The scheme officially known as Erasmus+ will be...
Lifestyle

Lifestyle
Kirstenbosch Garden hosts Cape Town Carols this week
Celebrate the spirit of the Christmas season at Kirstenbosch this week with the dazzling Cape Town Carols concert!
Lifestyle
Lifestyle

Entertainment
Verulam temple collapse linked to substandard materials, lack of building plans – Public Works
The provincial government stated it was busy with legal proceedings against the building’s owners at the time of the collapse.

Entertainment
Inflation surprisingly slows in November
While economists expected inflation to drift slowly higher over the next few months, inflation for November surprised everyone.
Entertainment

Entertainment
Police search for suspects after two women found dead in Nelspruit
Concerned neighbours became concerned about a foul smell from a house in their suburb.
Science/Tech
What Trump’s Embrace of Crypto Has Unleashed
A boundary-pushing array of new crypto ventures have reached the stock market, enticing investors and leading to more risk taking.
Science/Tech
Senators Count the Shady Ways Data Centers Pass Energy Costs On To Americans
U.S. senators are probing whether Big Tech data centers are driving up local electricity bills by socializing grid upgrade costs onto residents. Some of the tactics they’re using include NDAs, shell companies, and lobbying. Ars Technica reports: In letters (PDF) to seven AI firms, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) cited a study...

Science/Tech
TechCentral’s International Newsmakers of 2025
This is TechCentral’s list of the top international newsmakers in the tech industry in 2025, a year that was shaped by geopolitics.

Science/Tech
Airtel Money Customers Can Now Subscribe To Showmax
Airtel Money has integrated with Showmax, giving customers a simple, convenient, and reliable way to pay for their subscriptions this festive season. With this new integration, Airtel Money customers can now subscribe to Showmax, renew or activate directly from their wallets, providing an additional instant and convenient payment method. The move reflects Airtel Money’s continued […]

Motoring
Honda FIT – The FIT that feels right for South African drivers
The refreshed Honda FIT brings a bold design, surprising cabin space, and fuel efficiency to the compact hatch segment.

Motoring
The salary you need to afford the new Renault Captur in South Africa
The new Captur is Renault’s flagship SUV in South Africa.
Motoring

Motoring
The e-hailing service beating Uber and Bolt – that you probably haven’t heard of
We used Press Pulse to compare several of the most popular e-hailing services in South Africa.

Health
Why are resident doctors striking and how much are they paid?
Resident doctors in England are striking between 17 and 22 December, the 14th walkout since 2023.
Health
Heart Association Revives Theory That Light Drinking May Be Good for You
The American Heart Association report runs contrary to recent studies — and the group’s own guidelines — that found any amount of alcohol to be harmful.

Health
One way to deal with OCD and intrusive thoughts
Complex presenter Kimberly Wilson speaks to Nina Higson-Sweeney about ways to manage OCD.

Health
Plans to fix NHS dental care and save some patients hundreds of pounds
The new proposals mean those needing complicated care over numerous appointments could save up to £225.