
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, 13:05

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

Business
The Department of Communication and Digital Technology has killed the South African Post Office’s monopoly on delivering small parcels in the country.

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
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.

Sport
The Springboks will be keeping an eye on a talented loose forward who continues to consistently impress for the Stormers.

Sport
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon said he was humbled after claiming his 564th wicket to move clear of fellow Australian great Glenn McGrath.
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.
Education
[Capital FM] Nairobi — The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening higher education through sustainable funding models and strategic partnerships.
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
‘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.

Entertainment
The municipality added that it is closely monitoring reservoir levels and overall system behaviour.

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.
Science/Tech
U.S. video game hardware spending fell 27% year over year in November to $695 million, according to market analyst company Circana. “This is the lowest video game hardware spending total for a November month since the $455 million reached during the November 2005 tracking period,” Circana says. Furthermore, only 1.6 million units of hardware were sold in the U.S. in November, which is “the...
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
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.
Health
The American Heart Association report runs contrary to recent studies — and the group’s own guidelines — that found any amount of alcohol to be harmful.