Top Stories

Top Stories
Say goodbye to the Gautrain as you know it
The Gautrain’s existing agreement with its operator is coming to an end after nearly two decades, with experts concerned that the lack of a new formal contract could derail the system’s progress.

Top Stories
READER LETTER | Ageism robs SA of manpower
We have institutionalised a form of ageism that is as destructive as it is illogical. We claim to prioritise “youth” (18–34), but the moment a South African turns 35, the doors of opportunity slam shut.

Top Stories
‘My daughter is under the rubble’: Inside Tehran as civilian toll of strikes rises
One month since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, Tehran residents tell the BBC their lives have been devastated.

South Africa
LIVE: Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial | 27 March 2026
The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial continues at the High Court in Pretoria.
South Africa
Partnerships key to solving South Africa’s water crisis – Mahlobo
Partnerships key to solving South Africa’s water crisis – Mahlobo
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has emphasised the critical role of partnerships in addressing South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.Mahlobo was speaking at the 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference, held in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.Held under the theme: “Africa’s Green Horizon:...
South Africa
Public comments sought on proposed deposits for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections
Public comments sought on proposed deposits for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections
The Electoral Commission will today publish a Government Gazette notice inviting political parties, independent candidates and all interested stakeholders to comment on the proposed deposit amount for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections.
By law, registered political parties and independent...

South Africa
Overcrowding at SA’s correctional centres growing: Ntshalintshali
Deputy Minister Lindiwe Ntshalintshali addressed a Parliamentary debate on Thursday.
World
News24 | US Senate passes homeland security funding law, but blocks ICE
The US Senate passed legislation that would finance most of the Department of Homeland Security, but withhold funds from ICE and part of Customs and Border Protection, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer’s office said in a statement.

World
Cuban Americans face scrutiny for sending goods back to the island
Cuban Americans who ship goods to relatives on the island are now seen as propping up Cuba’s communist regime as the economy there continues to deteriorate.

World
Rubio meets with other G7 nations for first time since Iran war
Secretary of State Rubio meets his G7 colleagues in Paris for the first time since the start of the war on Iran.
World
News24 | War pushes Iran toward nuclear bomb as hardliners gain dominance
The debate among Iranian hardliners over whether Tehran should seek a nuclear bomb in defiance of an escalating US-Israeli attack is getting louder, more public and more insistent, sources in the country say.

Africa
South Africa’s exclusion from G7 summit no surprise, says Ramaphosa
Reports say the US pressured France to rescind Ramaphosa’s invitation after Trump threatened to boycott the summit.

Africa
Women secretly filmed, then ridiculed and abused online
Women in Kenya and Ghana tell the BBC about being approached by a Russian man who later posts videos of them without their consent.

Africa
Fifa investigates Congolese FA boss jailed alongside wife and son
Fecofoot president Jean-Guy Mayolas remains on the run after being sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this month for embezzling $1.1m in Fifa funds.

Africa
South Sudan and Mauritius impose electricity curbs as Iran war triggers fuel fears in Africa
The disruption in oil supplies has caused shortages and concerns in several African countries.

Business
The cost of driving vs flying from Joburg to Cape Town and Durban this Easter
South African travellers are set for pain when travelling this Easter holiday weekend, with fuel prices set for massive increases.

Business
Truecaller changes on the cards for South Africa
Caller ID and spam screening platform Truecaller says that it is willing to change its app in South Africa to comply with local privacy laws.

Business
Business Talk – PSG Head of Securities Wendy Myers unpacks the basics of investing for South Africans
In this Business Talk with Michael Avery interview, Wendy Myers, the Head of Securities at PSG, demystifies investment jargon and talks trading basics.

Business
Scrums.com review – A hands-on look at the platform redefining software outsourcing
Scrums.com is the Software Engineering Orchestration Platform (SEOP), mission control for engineering and product leaders who orchestrate AI agents, talent, teams, infrastructure, and delivery intelligence in one place. Software Engineering. Sorted.

Politics
Urgent bid to interdict Limpopo ANC Conference dismissed
Limpopo African National Congress (ANC) Elective Conference begins on Friday.

Politics
ANC Conference must discuss issues that change lives: Mokonyane
ANC’s Mpumalanga Elective Conference is under way at the Mbombela Stadium.

Politics
LIVE: The Cradock Four Inquest continues in Gqeberha High Court
This will be the third sitting of the inquest since it started.

Politics
LIVE: President Ramaphosa leads National-Provincial talks in F State
President Cyril Ramaphosa leads National Executive engagement with Free State Cabinet.

Sport
What is Scotland’s most iconic goal? This week – McCoist v Griffiths
Vote to find out what goal will be crowned Scotland’s greatest.

Sport
Why there is more riding on Manchester WSL derby than bragging rights
The race for the WSL title and European qualification adds extra spice to Saturday’s Manchester derby as United host City at Old Trafford.

Sport
Soweto Derby DATE changed, Chiefs and Pirates play on a Sunday
The Soweto Derby has been rescheduled due to a major event at Nasrec, setting up a rare Sunday clash between Pirates and Chiefs.

Sport
One of these TWO countries will join Bafana Bafana in Group A at FIFA World Cup 2026
The race to complete Group A at FIFA World Cup 2026 intensified on Thursday night as two UEFA playoff semi-finals delivered high drama.
Education
Why College Graduates Feel Betrayed
Their anger goes far beyond the recent rise of unemployment and the looming threat of A.I.
Education
Nigeria: ASUU Issues 4-Day Ultimatum to Federal Govt Over New Salary Structure
[Leadership] The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate implementation of a newly approved salary structure for university lecturers nationwide.
Education
Nigeria: ASUU Give Govt 4-Day Ultimatum to Pay New Salary
[Daily Trust] The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate implementation of a newly approved salary structure for university lecturers across the country.
Education
Zimbabwe: Government Extends Zimsec Examination Fees Payment Deadline to May 22
[New Zimbabwe] THE government has extended the registration deadline for Grade Seven, ‘O’ and ‘A’ level Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) from March 27 to May 22, 2026 after parents requested an extension after failing to raise the required fees on time.
Lifestyle

Lifestyle
Cape Town dam levels dip below 50%, water restrictions proposed
Cape Town’s dam levels have fallen below 50%, with officials warning that water restrictions may be introduced sooner than expected.
Lifestyle

Lifestyle
NSRI warns public about rabid Cape fur seals
The National Sea Rescue Institute has issued a safety warning amid concerns over potential rabies infections among Cape fur seals.

Entertainment
‘It is a moment of gratitude, remembrance, and surrender’: Relebogile Mabotja on her Easter single ‘Mmamagoai’s Prayer’
The track is a medley of gospel songs and hymns.

Entertainment
Who sold my phone number?
A real-world look at how difficult it is to trace and remove personal information from marketing databases – and why Popia is falling short.

Entertainment
Willemse on the wing as Sandi hits 50 for Stormers v Edinburgh
It will be interesting to see Damian Willemse starting on the wing, as he has played there before, but primarily plays at inside centre, fullback or flyhalf.

Entertainment
Schoolboy rugby fixtures: Massive Noord-Suid contests kick off the holiday
The country’s top schools will be competing in the Noord-Suid tournament before Easter festivals keep the action going next week.

Science/Tech
Bolt SA tightens controls after fatal profile misuse case
The e-hailing firm introduces frequent verification checks for drivers and suspends offenders to improve rider safety in South Africa.

Science/Tech
The cost of an empty seat, table or room in hospitality
Reservation confirmations and reminders should be viewed as critical operational communications, says Richard Simpson, MD of BulkSMS.

Science/Tech
Sber unveils next-generation AI assistant GigaChat based on flagship model
GigaChat Ultra users can run code directly within the interface and receive answers to questions about their own capabilities, relying on current documentation.

Science/Tech
Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus Satellite Messenger Review: Robust With Lots of Upselling
Garmin’s newest satellite messenger offers helpful safety features, but the fees are only worth it if you’re regularly off the grid.

Motoring
How vehicle tracking can protect you and your family
Modern tracking systems offer a wide range of features designed to enhance your personal safety and keep your family protected.
Motoring

Motoring
Here’s why you’re already paying R27 per litre for diesel in South Africa
Motorists are preparing for major fuel hikes next week, but some diesel retailers have jumped the gun, substantially raising prices ahead of the official adjustments.

Motoring
Expected petrol and diesel price hikes for April revealed
Fuel price data for the end of March indicates South Africans are in for severe petrol and diesel price hikes next week.
Health
As Kennedy Takes on Food Policy, Companies Push Back
Though the health secretary falsely claimed a victory in a recent podcast, a federal proposal to review all new food ingredients is still in the early stages and drawing fierce opposition.
Health
A ‘Zoomer-to-Boomer’ Pay Phone Hotline Gets Two Generations Chatting
An experiment linking college students in Boston with retirees in Reno, Nev., aims to bridge a cross-generational divide and expand positive social interactions.
Health
Kennedy’s Vaccine Agenda Hits Roadblocks, Diminishing His Clout
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine skepticism is posing challenges for the Trump administration. Top health jobs are unfilled, and a court has blocked his vaccine schedule changes.
Health
How to Turn a Chicken Egg Into a Drug Factory
A biotech start-up is testing a novel way of efficiently producing pharmaceutical drugs.