Top Stories
ISS TODAY: Offline and silenced: Africa’s quiet rise of internet repression
Africa was hit by a record number of digital shutdowns in 2025 that stifled opposition and undermined democracy.
FRIDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2025, 14:19
Top Stories
Africa was hit by a record number of digital shutdowns in 2025 that stifled opposition and undermined democracy.

Top Stories
Leo Bozell will now fill the vacancy left by Reuben Brigety, who resigned in January ahead of Donald Trump taking office.
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Top Stories
A 15-year-old is accused of murdering nine-year-old Aria Thorpe.
South Africa
Mashatile hails Mafolo’s role in shaping democratic South Africa
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has paid tribute to late ANC stalwart and intellectual Magashe Titus Mafolo, describing him as a principled leader whose life’s work helped shape South Africa’s democratic governance, intellectual thought and African identity.
The Deputy President was delivering the eulogy at the funeral...

South Africa
DJ Warras is remembered by friend Phind’Gcobe Madubela (PH) as respectful to all and always kind.

South Africa
The accused targeted nothing else but the head, so this murder was horrendous,

South Africa
Creecy briefed media at an N2 Somerset West roadblock on mid-festive preliminary road safety figures

World
South Africa has accused the US of employing Kenyans without work permits to process refugee applications.

World
The fresh protests are sparked by the death of one of the leaders of protests that ousted ex-PM Sheikh Hasina.

World
The chip industry in China is hustling to overcome a Western tech choke hold, even as President Trump appears poised to loosen U.S. chip restrictions.

World
Cuba is watching nervously as the U.S. ramps up pressure on Venezuela, threatening a lifeline and deepening the island’s isolation.

Africa
Former world champion and Olympian Lawrence Okolie believes his decision to fight in Lagos will inspire other big British names including Anthony Joshua.

Africa
Two of African football’s biggest names, Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah, are hoping to lead their nations to glory as the Africa Cup of Nations gets ready to kick off in Morocco.

Africa
DR Congo’s government say the announced withdrawal is intended to distract the US mediation team.

Africa
The air force personnel have been released but have not yet returned home, Nigeria says.

Business
The latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) for the end of the third week in December indicates that motorists can expect an even bigger cut in prices at the pumps.

Business
The firm led by Baroness Mone’s husband Douglas Barrowman breached a contract to supply surgical gowns during the Covid pandemic.

Business
The retailer says it plans to claw back bonuses awarded to executives at its North America business as a result of the mistakes.

Business
In today’s demanding world of wealth management, tax optimization, and succession planning, high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and multinational organizations continually seek effective and secure ways to protect, manage, and expand their assets globally.
Politics
The ANC called on South Africans to defend their democracy and to reject “AfriForum’s racist disinformation campaign”.

Politics
John Hlophe was placed on precautionary suspension from all MKP positions last month

Politics
The National Dialogue Steering Committee will be responsible for setting strategic priorities.

Politics
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli survived a motion of no confidence on Monday.

Sport
Wales hooker Dewi Lake will return to captain Ospreys for the United Rugby Championship home match against Munster in Bridgend on Saturday.

Sport
The Seattle Seahawks come from behind to beat the Los Angeles Rams in overtime and ensure they will join the Rams in this season’s NFL play-offs.

Sport
Things may be going badly on the field for England in the Ashes but touring supporters have been praised for their work off it in Adelaide.

Sport
Does Cole Palmer still have hope of making England’s World Cup squad? BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty examines the Chelsea star’s chances.
Education
Plus, your Friday news quiz.
Education
[Liberian Investigator] Isaac A. David Memorial High School transformed its Paynesville campus into a center of strategy and youthful competition on Wednesday as it hosted a one-day interschool chess tournament that attracted students from across Paynesville and Monrovia.
Education
They will be eligible for a one-time payment as well as college tuition for their children. The effort is part of a legislative push to address the dangers of working in toxic smoke.
Education
Monica-Grace Mukendi’s career demonstrates the lasting impact of OneGoal, a nonprofit that helps low-income students attend college.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Lifestyle

Entertainment
Family, friends and colleagues honour ‘DJ Warras’ at an emotional memorial, reflecting on his life, legacy and fearless voice.

Entertainment
Arrangements for alternative water supply have been put in place to assist residents during the disruption period.

Entertainment
Current whistleblower protections are overseen by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Entertainment
In the Western Cape alone, 66 people were killed in 55 crashes in the first half of December.

Science/Tech
Lightweight, powerful, and generally inexpensive, the handheld vacuum is the perfect household helper.
Science/Tech
“We were roadkill,” says Colin Angle, former chief executive of iRobot, maker of the robot vacuum.

Science/Tech
The world champion adaptive snowboard cross athlete repairs his own prostheses before a competition.

Science/Tech
Build a watchlist of all the movies and shows you want to watch, no matter where they’re streaming.
Motoring
Motoring

Motoring
These are the 10 most sought-after cars on the second-hand market in South Africa.
Motoring
Health
Moving cannabis to a category of drugs that includes some common medicines will have implications for research, businesses and patients.
Health
The agency’s high-level turnover and conflicting policy decisions on drug oversight have fueled concerns about the leadership of Dr. Marty Makary.

Health
NHS remains on high alert over flu, health bosses say, but there are signs infections are levelling off.
Health
Proposed new rules would pull all federal financing from hospitals that continue to provide gender treatments for adolescents.