Top Stories

Top Stories
William and Catherine release annual Christmas card portrait
A post shared on Kensington Palace’s social media reads: “Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.”

Top Stories
Ecuador defender Pineida killed in shooting
Ecuador defender Mario Pineida dies at the age of 33 after being shot outside a shop in Guayaquil.
Top Stories
South Africa
DWYPD warns of increased financial abuse during festive season
DWYPD warns of increased financial abuse during festive season
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has urged women and people with disabilities to remain vigilant against financial abuse during the festive season.
The department raised concern over the increased risk of financial exploitation targeting women and persons with disabilities during this...
South Africa
Warm-to-cool conditions for Christmas, New Year period
Warm-to-cool conditions for Christmas, New Year period
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) expects partly cloudy and warm-to-cool conditions across much of the country during the Christmas and the New Year period.
Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are anticipated mainly over the central and eastern parts of South Africa.
“Thunderstorm activity is expected to...

South Africa
Eastern Cape initiation death toll rises to 17
The death toll of initiates in the Eastern Cape has risen to 17 during this summer initiation season
South Africa
President Ramaphosa receives interim report of Madlanga Commission
President Ramaphosa receives interim report of Madlanga Commission
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
The interim report was presented to the President on Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
The Madlanga Commission was established by...

World
Trump administration approves $10B arms sale to Taiwan
The U.S. will sell Taiwan $10 billion in weapons, including missiles, howitzers and drones, a move expected to escalate tensions with China.

World
EU leaders meet to decide on use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s war
European Union leaders will meet in Brussels on Thursday to decide whether to use frozen Russian assets to help finance Ukraine’s war effort.

World
Trump orders ban on sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela
President Trump has ordered a ban on all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, escalating pressure on the country’s president.

World
Venezuelans react to Trump’s threat to block country’s oil sales
President Trump’s threat to halt Venezuelan oil sales stirs fear, but for a country long battered by shortages, it’s just another crisis.

Africa
UK museum knows ‘little to nothing’ about new African display
Manchester Museum curators hope the exhibition of African items will provoke ‘honest conversation’.

Africa
Liverpool rappers in Somalia during clan conflict
British citizens Abdifatah Gulaid and Noah Ihiekwe were seen carrying guns and parading with troops.

Africa
Five of the greatest players never to win Afcon
As two-time runner-up Mohamed Salah prepares for another tilt at the Africa Cup of Nations, BBC Sport Africa profiles other stars who never lifted the trophy.

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.

Business
Heating tips to keep your home warm when budgets are squeezed
As temperatures fall across much of the UK, how should you heat your home and keep yourself safe?
Business

Business
Another state monopoly in South Africa comes crashing down
The Department of Communication and Digital Technology has killed the South African Post Office’s monopoly on delivering small parcels in the country.

Business
Soup kitchen serves 120 meals in 16 minutes
Volunteers say rising demand in Luton for their help sees people queuing down the street for food.

Politics
Madlanga Commission received evidence from 28 walk-in submissions
The Commission is probing criminality, corruption, political interference claims by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi

Politics
Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayor Aaron Sebolai’s removal is flawed: DA
Sebolai, who is an ANC councillor, has been removed following a council sitting.

Politics
More needs to be done to protect whistleblowers, key witnesses: Sauls
Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls attended the funeral of Witness D, Marius van der Merwe.

Politics
Ramaphosa receives Madlanga Commission of Inquiry interim report
The Commission is probing criminality, political Interference, and corruption in the justice system

Sport
Buchanan steps down from WRU Council
Former Wales and Llanelli prop Anthony Buchanan resigns from the Welsh Rugby Union council after losing confidence in the governing body.

Sport
Who is the youngster being spoken of as a future Springbok?
The Springboks will be keeping an eye on a talented loose forward who continues to consistently impress for the Stormers.

Sport
Nathan Lyon spins his way past hero Glenn McGrath in Test wicket list
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon said he was humbled after claiming his 564th wicket to move clear of fellow Australian great Glenn McGrath.

Sport
Bafana Bafana to play for R117 million
Bafana Bafana have arrived in Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the tournament will offer the highest prize money in its history.
Education
What Happens When You Send a Girl to School
Joyce Arthur says she is a living testimony to the benefit of investing in African girls’ education.
Education
Is Applying to College Via Early Decision a Good Idea? Here’s What Your Income Has to Do With It.
Early decision isn’t just for the rich, as long as people with lower incomes can get accurate price quotes before agreeing to attend if they get in.
Education
Sleep Cots and Graham Crackers at Elon Musk’s Child Care Program
Mr. Musk has ambitions to remake education, but his latest effort to open an elementary school in Texas appears to have faltered.
Education
Kenya: State Pledges Sustainable Financing for Universities
[Capital FM] Nairobi — The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening higher education through sustainable funding models and strategic partnerships.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Lifestyle

Lifestyle
International Migrants Day: Promoting understanding and inclusivity
Today is International Migrants Day, whereby we reflect on the struggles faced by, and the resilience shown by, migrants worldwide.

Entertainment
‘Paramount misled shareholders’ – Warner Bros Discovery board on why it rejected the $108-billion bid
‘Following a careful evaluation of Paramount’s recently launched tender offer, the board concluded that the offer’s value is inadequate, with significant risks and costs imposed on our shareholders.’
Entertainment

Entertainment
What sets Orlando Pirates apart from other PSL teams – Mngqithi
“I think what is more fascinating with this Pirates team which surprises a lot of people is that they are just efficient,” said Mngqithi.

Entertainment
Palmiet water system recovers unevenly after Rand Water maintenance
The municipality added that it is closely monitoring reservoir levels and overall system behaviour.

Science/Tech
Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Is Having a Renaissance
As the world looks to incorporate more renewables into energy grids, centuries-old systems that can balance supply and demand are being reappraised and innovated upon.
Science/Tech
Video Game Hardware Sales Had a Historically Bad November In the US
U.S. video game hardware spending fell 27% year over year in November to $695 million, according to market analyst company Circana. “This is the lowest video game hardware spending total for a November month since the $455 million reached during the November 2005 tracking period,” Circana says. Furthermore, only 1.6 million units of hardware were sold in the U.S. in November, which is “the...

Science/Tech
Visa’s SA data centre attracts banks, fintechs
Visa’s Johannesburg-based data centre gains strong uptake from local banks and fintechs seeking access to its global payments network.

Science/Tech
Lovense Spinel Review: A Great Mini Sex Machine
The multi-stimulating sex machine can heat up, can be mounted via a suction cup, and is totally worth the splurge.
Motoring

Motoring
Aviation authority sounds alarm as fatal accidents rise 200% in South Africa
The South African African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has issued a warning for South Africans during the festive season.

Motoring
TopAuto is the trusted platform for leading South African brands
Over 1.3 million readers rely on TopAuto each month, making it a powerful channel for brand visibility.

Motoring
There are over 500,000 unroadworthy vehicles in South Africa
Gauteng drivers are by far the biggest culprits, with 255,455 unroadworthy vehicles in the province.
Health
When Your Family Is Estranged During the Holidays
Familial feuds have ripple effects, experts say.

Health
Caesarean sections overtake natural vaginal births for the first time
Experts say there is a complex picture behind why more babies are being delivered through surgery.

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.