Top Stories
Top Stories
Live now: Join the discussion about SA’s best small towns
Join an exclusive discussion with journalists about your top small towns in South Africa.
Top Stories
VIDEO: Watch – Books that had me hooked from the first page
Joy Watson, Daily Maverick’s Book Editor-at-Large, shares five unputdownable reads that are perfect for getting lost in, escaping, and discovering stories you won’t forget.
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South Africa
Motorists heading to KZN warned not to speed
The N3 Toll Concession says many motorists making their way to KZN are speeding.

South Africa
SA Weather Service warns of continued rain over Christmas
La Niña may increase the likelihood of above-normal summer rainfall, warns the weather service.

South Africa
LIVE: Murder convict and businessman Rameez Patel sentencing
The Polokwane High Court continues with sentencing proceedings against murder convict Rameez Patel.
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...

World
Could international troops be sent to Gaza? Here’s why Trump’s plan hinges on it
President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza hinges on international troops in Gaza, but Israel is skeptical and no country has yet agreed to send their soldiers.

World
A new ‘Avatar,’ a marital stand-up story and a gut-wrenching drama are in theaters
A new drama uses the real, gut-wrenching recordings of a call for help from Gaza to tell a harrowing and profound story.

World
Family release video of Matilda at beach as aunt calls for ‘happiness and love’
The aunt of the youngest victim of the Bondi shooting says those who are angry should “plant a seed of happiness” in their heart in memory of her niece Matilda..

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.

Africa
Rebels start to withdraw from key DR Congo city, leaders say
DR Congo’s government say the announced withdrawal is intended to distract the US mediation team.

Africa
Nigeria apologises over Burkina Faso military flight that saw 11 servicemen detained
The air force personnel have been released but have not yet returned home, Nigeria says.

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.
Business
Business

Business
69 cents per litre pain for drivers in South Africa
The government’s decision to hike the fuel levy this year ensured fuel prices ended up worse off in 2025.

Business
Insurers told to make policies easier to understand
The demand follows a “super-complaint” about the home and travel insurance sectors.

Politics
Leadership changes within MKP are inevitable: Mzobe
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) was founded on December 16, 2023.

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.

Sport
Bell starts as McCloskey returns for Ulster’s Leinster trip
Australia prop Angus Bell will make his first Ulster start in Friday’s United Rugby Championship game against Leinster at Aviva Stadium (19:45 GMT).

Sport
Black Coffee, Calvin Harris to headline LIV Golf South Africa
LIV Golf South Africa has confirmed its 2026 music line-up, delivering an unmatched fusion of global stars and South African performers.

Sport
Cardiff aim to drown out ‘sea of Scarlet’ in derby
Scarlets aim to extend their winning run in the capital when they take on United Rugby Championship play-off hopefuls Cardiff at the Arms Park.

Sport
Wiegman first woman to be named Dutch coach of the year
England manager Sarina Wiegman becomes the first women to be named Dutch Coach of the Year at an annual awards ceremony in the Netherlands.
Education
Somalia: Somalia Cabinet Discusses Local Elections, Approves Key Laws and Education Fund
[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia’s Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Thursday, focusing on the country’s upcoming local elections, particularly the municipal vote scheduled later this month in the capital, Mogadishu.
Education
Nigeria: Funaab Deputy Registrar, Alawode, Appointed Registrar At Mcpherson University
[This Day] The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has again affirmed its reputation as a fertile training ground for higher education leaders, following the appointment of its Deputy Registrar, Mrs. Emilomo Alawode, as the third substantive Registrar of McPherson University (McU), Seriki-Sotayo, Ogun State.
Education
Nigeria: Ballsbridge University Chancellor Urges Graduates to Make Impact
[This Day] The Chancellor of Ballsbridge University, Prof. Idahosa Charles, has challenged graduates of the institution to use their degrees to make a difference in their communities, professions and nations.
Education
Nigeria: Reforming Nigeria’s Examination System to Limit External, Political Interference
[Leadership] The integrity of Nigeria’s examination system has been challenged by growing external and legislative influence, according to experts.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Entertainment

Entertainment
Sharks back continuity for massive URC derby against Bulls
The Sharks have made just two changes to their match 23 for their huge clash against the Bulls.

Entertainment
Daveyton woman wins Chery car worth almost R500 000 in festive season surprise
For Ndungwana, the timing of the win carries deep personal significance.

Entertainment
Stormy weekend ahead for Gauteng as thundershowers roll in
Tshwane and Johannesburg will experience similar weather patterns, with daytime heat before rainfall develops later in the day.

Science/Tech
One in three using AI for emotional support and conversation, UK says
The Artificial Intelligence Security Institute (AISI) says the tech is being used by one in 25 people daily.

Science/Tech
Facebook tests limiting links some people can share without paying
Meta is encouraging users to verify themselves to unlock more features or engagement with their posts.

Science/Tech
TechCentral’s South African Newsmakers of 2025
TechCentral’s South African Newsmakers of 2025 shaped outcomes that reached beyond boardrooms.

Science/Tech
A Filmmaker Made a Sam Altman Deepfake—and Got Unexpectedly Attached
The director of Deepfaking Sam Altman created a “Sam Bot” when he couldn’t get an interview with the OpenAI CEO. Watch an exclusive trailer for the documentary, which comes out in January.
Motoring

Motoring
Good news for petrol prices this January
Motorists in South Africa can look forward to a price reduction for both petrol and diesel this January.
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.
Health
When Your Family Is Estranged During the Holidays
Familial feuds have ripple effects, experts say.

Health
People fake weight to obtain skinny jabs, says GP
A doctor from Chelmsford calls for more checks to stop the drugs being sold inappropriately online.

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.