Top Stories

PEPFAR withdrawal: Motsoaledi unsurprised as US funding cut finally hits South Africa
Amid the US PEPFAR funding withdrawal, an unsurprised Aaron Motsoaledi views it as a wakeup call to ‘stand on our own’.

Chef Tash brings African food, stories to the table
Intimate dining series sparks conversations and community

A Golden Boot race for the ages – but who will come out on top?
It is fast turning into a Golden Boot race for the ages as the world’s best strikers star at the World Cup. But who will come out on top?

Bassie’s journey from amapiano chart-topper to grade 1 teacher
Bassie has become amapiano’s most distinct voices, soundtracking heartbreak, love and anything in between in her chart-toppers.

Stalker who rang BTS star’s doorbell 133 times faces deportation
The Brazilian woman visited BTS member Jungkook’s home 20 times in less than two months.

What France & Iraq did during ‘mentally draining’ two-hour weather delay
France’s World Cup match against Iraq was delayed for two hours because of the weather. BBC Sport look at how the sides dealt with it.

Reflecting Pool to be drained as Trump again blames ‘vandals’ for recent troubles
Trump said vandals cut a long slit in it and possibly dumped fertiliser in the water, and later threatened to sue over reporting on the pool.

SOWETAN | Ekurhuleni councillors must act in residents’ interests
The Ekurhuleni coalition government appears to be facing its biggest crisis after its budget failed to secure council approval in a fourth attempt last week.

Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham ‘coronation’
Two senior party figures are considering bids in order to ensure the next leader’s policy ideas are tested in a race.
Russian strikes injure six in Ukraine, Kyiv issues air raid alert
June 23 (Reuters) – Six people were wounded in Russian air strikes on Ukraine overnight, local authorities said, and the capital of Kyiv issued an air raid alert asking people to seek shelter in the early hours of Tuesday.
Washington’s Reflecting Pool needs repairs weeks after renovation
WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) – The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Washington’s National Mall is set to be drained again for repairs after algae and peeling paint appeared just weeks after a $14.7 million renovation, while President Donald Trump threatened prison time for anyone caught damaging the pool.

Norway win five-goal thriller against Senegal to make last 32
Erling Haaland scores twice as Norway book their place in the last 32 of the World Cup with a 3-2 victory over Senegal in New Jersey.
‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance warns that new AI models pose urgent cyber risk
WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) – Cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology is poised to supercharge offensive hacking capabilities and urgent action is needed to face up to the threat, US, British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand officials said on Monday.
Trump signs orders calling for powerful quantum computer, targeting 2028
WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) – US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered a push to build a powerful quantum computer for scientific research and speed efforts to protect government systems from related cyber threats, bolstering US efforts in its race with China for a technology that could upend science and cybersecurity.

England boss Tuchel not a fan of hydration breaks
England head coach Thomas Tuchel admits he is not a fan of the controversial hydration breaks being used at the World Cup.

Ransom note claimed Nancy Guthrie died after abduction
The note from the possible kidnappers reportedly stated that they did not mean for her to die and included an apology to the family.

Fears 1,000 LGBT veterans could miss gay ban compensation deadline
Charities are urging any veterans who haven’t yet registered for the scheme to come forward.

First drug to delay onset of type 1 diabetes made available on NHS
The immunotherpay can give children and adults three extra years before they need to use insulin.