Top Stories

Top Stories
Red flags raised over South Africa’s reported joint naval exercise with Iran and Russia
South Africa’s claim to neutrality on the global stage is under fire as the DA, a GNU partner, criticises the government it is part of for hosting Iranian and Russian naval forces.
Top Stories
AFCON: Bafana Bafana focused on Zimbabwean challenge after falling short against Egypt
Hugo Broos’s troops want to beat Zimbabwe in their final Group B game on Monday, to qualify for the round of 16 on a winning note.

Top Stories
Fawaaz Basadien: From a starter to a benchwarmer at Sundowns
Fawaaz Basadien joined Sundowns with high expectations but things have gone South for him as he continues to warm the bench.

South Africa
Pretoria matric exam cheating scandal report due Monday
Officials from the Department of Basic Education have been suspended after the exam cheating scandal

South Africa
Rising river levels hinder search for missing SANDF Soldier
One body was recovered on Friday after the vehicle carrying two SANDF members was swept away.

South Africa
7-year-old among two drowning victims in separate Limpopo incidents
The search for the boy who drowned in the Tweestroom farming area in Modimolle is continuing.

South Africa
Doornkop building collapse victim recounts ordeal
Three people died after a double-storey building collapsed in Doornkop in Soweto.

World
French cinema actress Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91
The actress was a symbol of sexual liberation in the 1950s but became increasingly controversial after making homophobic and racist slurs.

World
Crime fears drive South America’s sharp turn to the right
From tough-on-crime politics to uneasy ties with Washington, Latin America’s year-end story is one of a decisive rightward turn, insecurity at home and a more complicated relationship with the US.

World
Iranian cinema giant, Bahram Beyzai, dies aged 87
A restored copy of his film, Bashu, the Little Stranger, won an award at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

World
Executions in Iran more than double in 2025, report says
The Iran Human Rights (IHR) group says it has verified at least 1,500 executions up until the start of December.

Africa
The best players who never won Afcon?
As two-time runner-up Mohamed Salah begins another tilt at the Africa Cup of Nations, BBC Sport Africa profiles top stars who never lifted the trophy.

Africa
‘I’m not retiring’ – Kipchoge’s marathon world tour
Sporting great Eliud Kipchoge says his plan to run marathons on seven different continents is about purpose, not records.

Africa
Bomb blast in packed Nigerian mosque kills five
Another 35 people were injured in the explosion during evening prayers in the city of Maiduguri, police say.

Africa
Eleven arrested over mass shooting in South Africa tavern
Preliminary investigations revealed the motive could be linked to illegal mining turf wars, police said.

Business
How to turn 20 leave days into 48 days off in 2026
This is how a typical formally employed worker entitled to 20 days of annual leave can turn them into 48 days off in 2026.

Business
Late shopper rush drives Boxing Day sales traffic
Figures suggest the surge in post-Christmas shoppers was the strongest in a decade.

Business
What to expect for interest rate cuts in January 2026
South Africa’s rate cutting cycle is still in full swing with economists anticipating another 50 basis points of cuts in 2026, and one more cut to follow in 2027.

Business
Massive payday for Ramaphosa, ministers and other politicians in South Africa
The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers has published its recommended salary hikes for South Africa’s top government officials, pushing an above-inflation increase.

Politics
ANC announces passing of former NEC member Dikeledi Magadzi
The African National Congress’ Cde Dikeledi Magadzi has passed on

Politics
EFF condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as independent state
The EFF says the move threatens Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Politics
Hlongwa fought very hard to clear his name: Family
Former Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwa died in hospital on Tuesday.

Politics
ANC Johannesburg fires back at Mashaba over hijacked buildings claims
‘Addressing hijacked buildings isn’t a law enforcement task but a housing, development imperative’

Sport
Liverpool set-piece problems a killer – Van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk says that Liverpool’s problems from set-pieces “hurts” and that the second phase is a “killer” for them.

Sport
Orlando Pirates new signings mid-term report: 1 of 12
What a signing. Lebone Seema has truly grabbed his chance at Orlando Pirates and turned it into one of the stories of the season.

Sport
BREAKING: Springbok brain trust joins Bulls
Four Springbok assistant coaches will provide limited technical support to the Bulls following an approved request under SA Rugby’s collaboration framework.

Sport
Four Springbok coaches to help battling Bulls
A large contingent of Springbok coaches will spend time assisting the Bulls after a horror start to the season for the Pretoria-based side.
Education
South Africa: Students Bring Sunshine and Gifts to Lonely Elders
[Scrolla] Thomas More College pupils raised funds to pack 75 gift bags for residents at Jabulani Senior Citizens Residence. The Robin Hood Foundation delivered the treats to ensure the grandpas and grannies feel special this Christmas.
Education
New College of Florida Was Progressive. Then Gov. DeSantis Overhauled It.
At the state school, gender studies is out. ‘The Odyssey’ is required reading. A Charlie Kirk statue is coming. Has one ideological bubble replaced another?
Education
She Studied the Health Effects of Wildfires, Until the E.P.A. Cut Her Grant
Marina Vance had an E.P.A. grant to help homeowners counter the impact of wildfire smoke, until the agency deemed the research “no longer consistent” with its priorities.
Education
Sal Khan: A.I. Will Displace Workers at a Scale Many Don’t Realize
Companies benefiting from A.I. should donate a small percentage of their profits to retrain the workers the tech will displace.

Lifestyle
Off-duty lifeguard saves FOUR in dramatic rescue at Miller’s Point
An intense rescue at Miller’s Point by an off-duty lifeguard averted certain tragedy for two children and two adults swept out to sea …

Lifestyle
GOOD news and BAD news for 2026 public holidays in SA
Here’s how to expertly plan your leave for 2026 public holidays in SA and score multiple extended long weekends for just two days’ leave …

Lifestyle
Siya Kolisi’s ‘girlfriend’ to return to SA for b-day
Siya Kolisi’s alleged girlfriend Rachel John revealed that she will be returning to South Africa to celebrate her birthday.

Lifestyle
Xmas baby boom highlights need for 2026 maternal support grant
The 2026 maternal support grant aims to extend child support to pregnant women to prevent issues within the first 1 000 days. Here’s why …

Entertainment
France’s screen siren Brigitte Bardot dies at 91
Celebrated as a cultural icon, Bardot also faced repeated convictions for hate speech in her post-cinema years.

Entertainment
Anrich Nortjé on injury struggles and fight for World Cup spot: ‘One game at a time’
The fast bowler missed the last two editions of the SA20 competition due to injury.

Entertainment
Bafana’s Broos – ‘If we don’t lose we are in the next round’
‘We know our opponent tomorrow, this is not the first time we are playing them,’ added the Bafana head coach.

Entertainment
‘An invitation to pause and reconnect’: Neimil launches limited-edition Pole Pole collection
The collection was inspired by traditional Pedi and Ndebele culture.

Science/Tech
How Much Melatonin Should You Be Taking? (2026)
Many people rely on the sleep aid melatonin to help them get a more restful night’s sleep. But is it safe? And how much is too much?
Science/Tech
Is Dark Energy Weakening?
An anonymous reader shared this report from the BBC:There is growing controversy over recent evidence suggesting that a mysterious force known as dark energy might be changing in a way that challenges our current understanding of time and space. An analysis by a South Korean team has hinted that, rather than the Universe continuing to expand, galaxies could be pulled back together by gravity,...

Science/Tech
10 Best Drones (2025): Flight-Tested and Reviewed
Whether you want to battle Star Wars spaceships or shoot a cinematic masterpiece, one of these drones is going to be perfect for you.

Science/Tech
8 Best Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services and Kits (2025), Tested, Tasted, and Reviewed
Convenience isn’t just for meat eaters anymore. These plant-based meal kits and delivery services bring healthy preprepared meals and meal kits to your door.

Motoring
The company that forced carmakers to recall 100 million vehicles
One company is responsible for the largest number of vehicle recalls in history.

Motoring
How to avoid spikes placed on the road in South Africa
Vehicle spikings are a dangerous criminal activity to watch out for while travelling this festive season.

Motoring
How insurance companies decide when to write off your car
Insurance providers go through a thorough process to determine whether to write off your car.
Motoring
Health
How Cameroon Fought to Save Its Malaria Program After the U.S. Cut Critical Funding
When the Trump administration slashed foreign aid, it gutted a program that had reduced malaria deaths world wide. In northern Cameroon, health workers scrambled to protect children in one last rainy season.
Health
Doctors Think Ovaries, Not Just Eggs, Are Factors in Fertility and Aging
Recent research highlights that the egg may be the leading lady, but she needs her supporting cast.
Health
How One Father Created an Organ Empire
The National Kidney Registry has matched thousands of kidney donors with recipients. It has also paid millions of dollars to a company owned by its founder.
Health
What It’s Like When Your Wife Goes on Testosterone
She went on testosterone to help with her menopausal symptoms. The effects had unexpected consequences for their marriage.