
Top Stories
Warning for WhatsApp users in South Africa
Legal experts warned that casual messaging now carries serious legal risks, as WhatsApp messages, voice notes and even deleted chats can be used as court evidence or trigger defamation claims.
THURSDAY, 22 JANUARY 2026, 09:37

Top Stories
Legal experts warned that casual messaging now carries serious legal risks, as WhatsApp messages, voice notes and even deleted chats can be used as court evidence or trigger defamation claims.

Top Stories
The position became vacant following the appointment of the previous incumbent of the post, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, to the position of public protector.

Top Stories
The death toll from the Vanderbijlpark crash, in which a scholar transport vehicle collided with a truck on Monday, has risen to 14 learners.

Top Stories
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella says the world champions have faced an “unprecedented” amount of work as he looks ahead to the new season.

South Africa
The man, who was transporting learners to school, was found to be carrying more than 20 scholars
South Africa
Keurbooms–Soetkraal fire contained
The Keurbooms–Soetkraal fire, which affected parts of the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, has been successfully contained.
The fire burned an estimated 22 500 hectares in total.
“Following continuous monitoring and coordinated suppression efforts, the fire is now fully under control, with no further spread anticipated....
South Africa
The 22-year-old scholar transport driver is facing 12 counts of culpable homicide.

South Africa
The fire in Strand foam, Strand broke out on Wednesday afternoon.
World
Venezuela’s interim president will soon visit the US, a senior US official said, further signaling President Donald Trump’s willingness to embrace the oil-rich country’s new leader.

World
Israeli forces on Wednesday killed at least 11 Palestinians in Gaza, including two boys, three journalists and a woman, hospitals said, on one of the enclave ‘s deadliest days since the ceasefire took effect.
World
US President Donald Trump abruptly stepped back from threats to impose tariffs as leverage to seize Greenland, ruled out the use of force, and suggested a deal was in sight to end a dispute over the Danish territory that risked the deepest rupture in transatlantic relations in decades.

World
Several people are missing after a landslide at campsite in the New Zealand tourist hotspot of Mount Maunganui.

Africa
The internet was shut during the general election, leaving many people without any income – or entertainment.

Africa
Kizza Besigye’s party says his condition is critical, but authorities say he was taken to hospital for a routine check-up.

Africa
Thousands of Senegal fans join the parade to celebrate Afcon champions on their return home.

Africa
The new government is addressing fuel shortages and strengthening the budget but many are not happy.

Business
Construction on the first phase of the newest campus for the private Afrikaans higher education institution, Akademia, has officially started.
Business

Business
AMSA and the state-owned IDC have resumed talks over the potential acquisition of the Luxembourg-based steel giant’s local operations.

Business
Here are five important things happening in South Africa on Thursday, 22 January 2026.

Politics
Witness testimonies at the Ad Hoc Committee kicked off four months ago.

Politics
McBride was probed over evidence suggesting he was in constant communication with Trent.

Politics
Ramaphosa responded to Iran’s participation in the Will for Peace naval drills near Simon’s Town.

Politics
Former IPID head Robert McBride is appearing for a second day before the Ad Hoc Committee

Sport
When the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots on Sunday in the AFC Championship game, it will be with a back-up quarterback who has not thrown an NFL pass for two seasons.

Sport
A double World Cup-winning Springbok is approaching a year out of the game, but there is still hope that a comeback could be on the cards.

Sport
Zimbabwean footballer Emmanuel Jalai makes history with a landmark move to Durban City, securing a record-breaking debut deal.

Sport
Arsenal striker and Women’s Super League record signing Olivia Smith answers Alex Scott’s quickfire questions in BBC Sport’s new Eat & Yap series.
Education
[Nile Post] President Museveni has hailed the late former Minister of Education, Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, for her extraordinary contributions to Uganda’s education sector, describing her as an outstanding educationalist who dedicated her life to nurturing the country’s human capital.
Education
[GroundUp] Education department rejects claims that immigrants are given preference
Education
[The Conversation Africa] The United Nations made 24 January the International Day of Education to highlight the role of education in peace and development. In 2026 the theme is “the power of youth in co-creating education”. This refers to “involving young people and students in global decision making in education” and to young people’s initiatives to safeguard everyone’s right to education.
Education
[RFI] Rainfall of a level not seen for more than 70 years has caused flooding in Tunisia, leaving four people dead. Authorities say schools and many businesses, particularly in the capital, were forced to close from Tuesday.
Lifestyle

Lifestyle
Love watching an entire series in one go, unable to wait for the next episode? Research says what binge-watching addiction reveals about you.

Lifestyle
US YouTuber IShowSpeed celebrated his 21st birthday by hitting 50 million subscribers while in Nigeria on his African tour.

Lifestyle
An environmental activist has claimed to have found South Africa’s ‘dirties’ beach – located in Cape Town! Take a look…

Entertainment
Bayern joined table-toppers Arsenal in guaranteeing a top-eight finish with a game to spare.

Entertainment
The driver is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Entertainment
The South African Weather Service details warm conditions for Pretoria and Johannesburg

Entertainment
One scholar driver has also been arrested for carrying more children in his vehicle than it was allowed to.

Science/Tech
We will be the last generation to work with all-human workforces. This is not a provocative soundbite but a statement of fact, one that signals a fundamental shift in how organisations operate and what leadership now demands. The challenge facing today’s leaders is not simply adopting new technology but architecting an entirely new operating model […]

Science/Tech
MTN has the best overall mobile data network quality in South Africa, but Vodacom dominates in 5G.

Science/Tech
Get up to 30% off your first order and free gifts using a Hungryroot promo code today. Discover our best coupons and discounts to let you save on your healthy groceries as a new or returning customer.

Science/Tech
The digital asset market is currently struggling with a surge in fraud, and the Pyrax Network stands out as a dangerous threat. It claims to use revolutionary technology, but it is actually a cold and calculated financial heist. This operation is run by a group of experienced scammers who aim to take your hard-earned money. […]
Motoring

Motoring
Pre-owned buyers in South Africa have a clear favourite.

Motoring
Six more Chinese brands are coming to South Africa this year, bringing everything from a Toyota Prado rival to electric bakkies and family SUVs.
Motoring
Health
One person who contracted it died. The fungus is commonly found in soil in the Ohio River and Mississippi River valleys, and the illness is not contagious.

Health
Chloe booked an abortion because her sickness was so severe she could not look after herself.
Health
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rallied supporters at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, where he promoted his new dietary guidelines.

Health
Dr Jo Blodgett from UCL explains an approach that considers how much you move – and don’t move – across the day.