Top Stories

Top Stories
Government data stolen in hack, minister confirms
The trade minister says information was accessed and an investigation has been launched.

Top Stories
SARS coming after South African taxpayers for millions
SARS is intensifying its crackdown on tax evasion and non-compliance, using strengthened powers and partnerships with IDAC to pursue taxpayers for millions and enforce serious criminal consequences.

Top Stories
South Africa’s cabinet versus the rest of the world
South Africa has one of the largest national executives, with the 77-person composition significantly larger than many developed countries.

South Africa
Motorists urged to stay alert on the roads
Traffic flows smoothly at De Hoek Toll Plaza in Heidelberg as morning commute continues steadily.

South Africa
NPA quiet on reported arrests in Tembisa principal Lubisi’s killing
Unknown suspects shot Simon Lubisi (principal) and robbed his family of laptops and cellphones.
South Africa
Heritage Council mourns passing of council member
Heritage Council mourns passing of council member
The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) has announced the passing of its Council Member, Dr Natalie Skeepers, saying her passing is a loss to the public sector.
In a statement on Thursday, the Council which is an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, said Skeepers passed away unexpectedly on 15 December...

South Africa
Four questioned after raid at a building where DJ Warras was killed
The killing is linked to disputes around hijacked buildings and ongoing criminal activity.

World
US suspends green card lottery scheme after Brown shooting
The suspect in the university shooting and the murder of an MIT professor entered the US via the scheme.

World
EU leaders agree on $105bn Ukraine loan, but without relying on frozen Russian assets
European Union leaders have agreed to provide a massive interest-free loan to Ukraine to meet its military and economic needs for the next two years. The loan will not rely on frozen Russian assets.
World
News24 | Brown University mass shooter found dead in storage unit, police puzzle over motive
The suspect in the mass shooting at Brown University last weekend is dead, officials said, as investigators said he also killed a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor two days after the rampage at Brown.

World
TikTok signs deal to give U.S. operations to Oracle-led investor group
The agreement aims to resolve a yearslong standoff between the popular social media platform and the U.S. government over national security concerns tied to China’s parent company, ByteDance.

Africa
Can Salah finally lift Afcon trophy as Morocco eye home glory?
Two of African football’s biggest names, Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah, are hoping to lead their nations to glory as the Africa Cup of Nations gets ready to kick off in Morocco.

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’.

Business
The South African city voted one of the best in the world for food
South Africa’s foodie capital has been ranked among the top ten cities in the world for food in the Conde Nast Traveller’s choice awards for 2025.

Business
Government borrowing higher than expected in November
Borrowing – the difference between public spending and tax income – was £11.7bn last month.

Business
Six ways to refresh your finances this festive season
Before the new year begins, take the opportunity to give your finances a festive refresh and set yourself up for a confident start to 2026.

Business
A 45% school bus fare hike is too much, says dad
Ambi Ambituuni now expects to pay more than £300 a term for his daughter’s bus journeys.

Politics
Inquiry into Hlophe to be finalised end January: MKP
John Hlophe was placed on precautionary suspension from all MKP positions last month

Politics
Ramaphosa confirms National Dialogue Steering Committee nominees
The National Dialogue Steering Committee will be responsible for setting strategic priorities.

Politics
MKP to forge ahead with another no confidence vote against Ntuli
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli survived a motion of no confidence on Monday.

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

Sport
‘Majestic strike’ – Mead and Park feature in UWCL best goals
Strikes from Beth Mead and Jess Park feature in the best goals from this week’s Uefa Women’s Champions League.

Sport
Seahawks in play-offs with overtime win over Rams
The Seattle Seahawks come from behind to beat the Los Angeles Rams in overtime and ensure they will join the Rams in this season’s NFL play-offs.

Sport
Kaizer Chiefs scout flying to Morocco
The scout of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs Thembela Maliwa and Kaizer Motuang Jr will check in at the latest TransferRoom summit in Rabat Morocco.

Sport
Lots more to achieve after incredible year – McIlroy
Newly crowned Sports Personality of the Year winner Rory McIlroy says he has “a lot more I want to achieve” after an “incredible” 2025.
Education
Falling Enrollment, Money Woes: The New School Seeks a Path to Survival
The New York City university has embarked on an overhaul that some professors and students say imperils its standing as a bastion of the liberal arts.
Education
Africa: All of Africa Today – December 19, 2025
[allAfrica]
Education
Trump Administration to Appeal Harvard Funding Case
Facing a deadline to appeal, the Justice Department told the courts late Thursday that it would try to overturn a judge’s ruling in favor of Harvard.
Education
Nigeria: Govt Reopens All Closed 47 Unity Colleges, Expresses Commitment to Safety
[This Day] The Federal Government has reopened all 47 Federal Unity Colleges that were shut in the wake of the rise in insecurity in some parts of the country,

Lifestyle
Comedian Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt welcome daughter
Former “Saturday Night Live” comedian and model Elsie Hewitt announce the birth of their daughter.

Lifestyle
Air patrol protects Table Mountain National Park visitors from above
SANParks is going above and beyond – literally! – to protect the influx of visitors to Table Mountain National Park this festive season.

Lifestyle
WATCH: Woman’s tearful vows as she marries AI boyfriend
Yurina Noguchi walked down the aisle to wed Lune Klaus Verdure, a version of a video game character that she created via ChatGPT.
Lifestyle

Entertainment
Festive flavours that bring everyone to the table
Whether you’re preparing a classic family favourite or trying something new, each dish has the power to create connection and celebration.

Entertainment
Cape Town braces for hot, dry and windy weekend
According to Saws, Saturday’s weather over the Western Cape will be ‘fine and hot to very hot’.
Entertainment

Entertainment
What to watch: Netflix’s ‘Beast In Me’ is a thrilling thriller
The show is riveting and while it ramps up slowly, the tension is layered throughout until it reaches its climax.

Science/Tech
Secret Walmart store plan in South Africa
Walmart is planning a “very ambitious” expansion in South Africa in 2026.

Science/Tech
Transnet to pay Gijima R60m as R1.5bn IT deal arbitrated
The dispute over a R1.5 billion contract is now set to be resolved through arbitration.

Science/Tech
Ring Promo Codes and Discounts: Up to 50% Off
Discover how to save on Ring cameras, doorbells, outdoor cameras, and more.
Science/Tech
Trump’s Social Media Business Is Merging With a Nuclear Fusion Company
Tony Isaac shares a report from CNN: President Donald Trump’s social media and crypto company is making a huge bet on a far different industry — nuclear fusion, a potentially lucrative albeit commercially unproven energy technology that could help power a suddenly electricity-starved economy. Trump Media and Technology Group Thursday announced a surprise merger with TAE Technologies, in an...
Motoring

Motoring
Warning for South Africans who finance their cars
The excitement of a new car shouldn’t overshadow the need for prudent financial planning.

Motoring
Tap into an audience of South African car buyers
Sponsored content on TopAuto connects your brand with an engaged audience of over a million South African car buyers.

Motoring
South Africa is getting 8-year driver’s licences – which is bad news for the transport department
South Africa plans to extend the validity of its driver’s licences from 5 to 8 years, but concerns have been raised about the potential loss of revenue.

Health
Has flu peaked? What the figures tell us
NHS remains on high alert over flu, health bosses say, but there are signs infections are levelling off.
Health
Trump Moves to Prevent Access to Gender-Related Care for Minors
Proposed new rules would pull all federal financing from hospitals that continue to provide gender treatments for adolescents.
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.