
Top Stories
South Africa’s government on the hook for R700 billion
State-owned enterprises have weighed heavily on the state’s balance sheet over the past few decades, with government guarantees to these companies reaching over R700 billion in 2025.
THURSDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2025, 13:16

Top Stories
State-owned enterprises have weighed heavily on the state’s balance sheet over the past few decades, with government guarantees to these companies reaching over R700 billion in 2025.

Top Stories
Currently, only 0.7% of the country’s GDP is allocated to the defence budget.

Top Stories
The South African Weather Service forecasts partly cloudy conditions with afternoon thundershowers for Christmas and New Year’s Day, potentially bringing heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty winds, particularly in central and eastern regions.
Top Stories
South Africa
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
Water is steadily re-entering the network, but some communities continue to experience low pressure.
South Africa
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
The death toll of initiates in the Eastern Cape has risen to 17 during this summer initiation season

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

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

Africa
Manchester Museum curators hope the exhibition of African items will provoke ‘honest conversation’.

Africa
British citizens Abdifatah Gulaid and Noah Ihiekwe were seen carrying guns and parading with troops.

Africa
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
The seven Kenyans had previously been denied working visas and will now be deported, South Africa says.

Business
The government’s decision to hike the fuel levy this year ensured fuel prices ended up worse off in 2025.

Business
The demand follows a “super-complaint” about the home and travel insurance sectors.
Business

Business
As temperatures fall across much of the UK, how should you heat your home and keep yourself safe?

Politics
The Commission is probing criminality, corruption, political interference claims by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi

Politics
Sebolai, who is an ANC councillor, has been removed following a council sitting.

Politics
Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls attended the funeral of Witness D, Marius van der Merwe.

Politics
The Commission is probing criminality, political Interference, and corruption in the justice system

Sport
Look back at what was an incredible year for South African rugby, with both the Springbok men’s and women’s teams excelling.

Sport
The Kansas City Chiefs have made an early exit from the NFL play-off race, leaving the road to the Super Bowl open. Who are the pretenders to their throne?

Sport
At 7ft 9in (2.36m), Olivier Rioux becomes the tallest player to score a dunk in the college game.

Sport
Former Wales and Llanelli prop Anthony Buchanan resigns from the Welsh Rugby Union council after losing confidence in the governing body.
Education
[Leadership] The integrity of Nigeria’s examination system has been challenged by growing external and legislative influence, according to experts.
Education
Joyce Arthur says she is a living testimony to the benefit of investing in African girls’ education.
Education
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
Mr. Musk has ambitions to remake education, but his latest effort to open an elementary school in Texas appears to have faltered.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Lifestyle

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

Entertainment
Congratulations are in order…

Entertainment
‘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
“I think what is more fascinating with this Pirates team which surprises a lot of people is that they are just efficient,” said Mngqithi.

Science/Tech
Is the latest iPhone operating system aesthetically appealing? No. But is it useful? Also no. At least I have company among the disgruntled.

Science/Tech
Frogfoot’s 2026 fibre-to-the-home price hikes will kick in on 1 February 2026.

Science/Tech
Unexpected visitors don’t have to spark a last-minute scramble for a bed.

Science/Tech
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.
Motoring

Motoring
The South African African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has issued a warning for South Africans during the festive season.

Motoring
Over 1.3 million readers rely on TopAuto each month, making it a powerful channel for brand visibility.

Motoring
Gauteng drivers are by far the biggest culprits, with 255,455 unroadworthy vehicles in the province.
Health
Familial feuds have ripple effects, experts say.

Health
A doctor from Chelmsford calls for more checks to stop the drugs being sold inappropriately online.

Health
Experts say there is a complex picture behind why more babies are being delivered through surgery.

Health
Resident doctors in England are striking between 17 and 22 December, the 14th walkout since 2023.