
Top Stories
The Papers: PM’s ‘year of proof’ and ‘fight’ with judges over Shamima Begum
Sir Keir Starmer’s New Year promise to voters and developments in the case of Shamima Begum lead Thursday’s papers.
THURSDAY, 01 JANUARY 2026, 05:25

Top Stories
Sir Keir Starmer’s New Year promise to voters and developments in the case of Shamima Begum lead Thursday’s papers.

Top Stories
Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, who fatally fell 500 feet (150m) from a trail, was an “avid sailor and outdoorsman”, his family says.

Top Stories
There is growing evidence that the women were part of an early female religious community.

Top Stories
A barrister, nursery school teacher and cyber security expert will also enter the TV show’s castle.

South Africa
Pappas and Prinsloo had indeed made the required declarations.

South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the G20 Presidency ensured that Africa’s voice is recognised.

South Africa
SPCA inspectors are on standby 24/7 to respond to animal emergencies

South Africa
Makhadzi Entertainment has confirmed the musician was involved in a crash.

World
The worker is “recovering” after he was seen on video being knocked off his feet by the 400-lb (181kg) rubber Indiana Jones prop.

World
As fireworks light the sky and crowds count down together, communities around the globe welcome 2026.

World
The move is dividing the nation – some welcome it as a bold leap forwards, but others fear it will lead to economic stagnation.

World
In Mumbai, some celebrate New Year’s Eve with an effigy of the old year. It’s just one of many New Years celebrated in India.

Africa
The two states say they are taking reciprocal measures after the US announced full-entry restrictions on their citizens.

Africa
TikTok, YouTube and Facebook are down, as the nation awaits the final result from the presidential poll.

Africa
Somaliland wants international recognition – here’s why, and what could have driven Israel to recognise it now.

Africa
Forward John Mano, who lost his best friend to the civil war in Sudan, says the squad will “fight” for their country on the pitch at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Business
Millions of households in England, Wales and Scotland are seeing a slight rise in energy bills in the new year.

Business
Leroy Merlin is one of several interional companies expanding into South Africa, with the company opening a massive new development in KZN.

Business
It’s been a roller coaster year for the stock market, but the S&P 500 is set to end 2025 up about 17%, the third straight year of double-digit gains.

Business
South Africa is moving toward a fully digital identity system, signalling the end of an era for the iconic green ID book.

Politics
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke during his New Year’s message earlier Wednesday afternoon.

Politics
The President also highlighted the importance of respecting women and young girls.

Politics
The late Brian Hlongwa has been described as a leader who served with humility.

Politics
Brian Hlongwa’s funeral is underway at Walter Sisulu Hall in Randburg.

Sport
Ex-Pirates winger Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena is backing Mohau Nkota to find his form at Bafana Bafana during the AFCON.

Sport
Bafana Bafana’s AFCON journey will be tested in the round of 16. They will face one of the strongest teams in the continent.

Sport
Nathan Ake rejects interest from West Ham, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain join Manchester United in battle for Yan Diomande’s signature, and Brennan Johnson in line for medical at Crystal Palace.

Sport
Tottenham Hotspur agree to sign Matilda Nilden from BK Hacken in January, subject to international clearance and a work permit.
Education
Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect, announced several key appointments who could help implement central promises of his agenda, including universal child care.
Education
[ENA] Addis Ababa — Addis Ababa University (AAU) has reaffirmed its commitment to attaining international competitiveness while serving as a central driver of Ethiopia’s national development.
Education
The mayor-elect’s turnaround came as he selected Kamar Samuels to lead New York City’s school system at a precarious moment.
Education
[ENA] Addis Ababa — Students of higher education institutions said the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Program is equipping them with essential skills that enable them to actively participate in the country’s growing digital ecosystem.

Lifestyle
Award-winning musician Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, was involved in a car accident on Wednesday morning.

Lifestyle
Rachel John, the woman rumoured to be dating Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, celebrated her 25th birthday on New Year’s Eve.

Lifestyle
Large numbers of dead white mussels, whelks and other shellfish have been washing ashore on the West Coast over the past 48 hours.
Lifestyle

Entertainment
Ramaphosa reflects on 2025 hardships and urges citizens to unite, citing economic recovery, youth employment, and anti-corruption efforts.

Entertainment
A total of R76.5 million in jackpots is up for grabs tonight. Here are your Lotto and Lotto Plus results for 31 December 2025.

Entertainment
A total of R700 000 in jackpots is up for grabs tonight! Here are your winning Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results for 31 December 2025.

Entertainment
Makhadzi Entertainment requested privacy for Makhadzi and her family during this period.
Science/Tech
Warren Buffett is retiring as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at age 95, ending a 55-year run that reshaped how generations of Americans think about investing. “The 95-year-old, often referred to as the ‘Oracle of Omaha’ and the ‘billionaire next door,’ will relinquish the title after a career that saw him turn a failing textile firm into one of the most successful asset managers in the world,”...
Science/Tech
Pibroch(CiH) writes: According to the obituary linked, Stewart Cheifet of Computer Chronicles fame has died. The obituary states he passed Dec 28, 2025. Cheifet and Digital Research founder Gary Kildall hosted the public television show The Computer Chronicles starting in 1984, and Stewart continued to host the show well into the 1990s. He was well-known for his affable presence and adeptness...
Science/Tech
The Wall Street Journal reports that a growing number of tech startups are stocking offices with free nicotine pouches as founders and employees chase sharper focus and stamina in hyper-competitive AI-era work environments. The Wall Street Journal reports: Earlier this year, two nicotine startups — Lucy Nicotine and Sesh — made branded vending machines filled with flavored products for...
Science/Tech
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Cyber Press: A newly uncovered Chinese threat group, DarkSpectre, has been linked to one of the most widespread browser-extension malware operations to date, compromising more than 8.8 million users of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera over the past seven years. According to research by Koi.ai, the group operates three interconnected campaigns:...

Motoring
South Africa has a secret test track that has been kept under wraps for nearly two decades, located near a nearby highway where cars can travel at speeds of up to 250km/h.

Motoring
The carmaker is on course for its second consecutive decline in annual vehicle sales.

Motoring
Volvo has identified a potential issue with the high-voltage battery cells manufactured by one of its suppliers on certain vehicles.

Motoring
Chinese brands are competing amongst themselves to dominate South Africa’s fastest-growing car segment.

Health
Emma Giannuzzi used sunbeds throughout her late teens and was twice diagnosed with melanoma.

Health
The Food Chain’s Ruth Alexander on what helps – and what doesn’t – if you’ve overindulged.

Health
The weather alert service warns the public when high or low temperatures could damage their health.
Health
Now that the condition is known to spread sexually, there are steps you and your partner can take to prevent it.