Top Stories
CREATIVE RESISTANCE: A civil stand against despots and demagogues in a time of democratic decline
A dual rise in authoritarianism and the degradation of democracy are among the foremost threats to the global order. This sounds like the stuff of doom and despair, but the most recent International Civil Society Week left delegates with hope for the future.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: AI can deepen democracy, or destroy it — the choice is ours
As AI becomes integral to public services, its impact on democracy hinges on governance choices today, shaping whether technology fosters inclusion or undermines it.

Italy’s ‘Lovers’ Arch’ collapses into sea on Valentine’s Day
The popular tourist attraction was a proposal spot for couples and featured on postcards.
News24 | Tuesday’s weather: Cool to warm for most of SA; hot and humid in Eastern Cape
The South African Weather Service has warned of hot and humid conditions in parts of the Eastern Cape, while most parts of the country will be cool to warm.

End of an era for billionaire Patrice Motsepe
Following a JSE rule change, billionaire Patrice Motsepe will make a switch from executive to non-executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals.
News24 | Busisiwe Mavuso | We need trade-savvy diplomats – not loyal or difficult cadres
Too many ambassadorial posts have been treated as rewards for loyal or difficult cadres rather than positions requiring serious economic and trade expertise, argues Busisiwe Mavuso.
News24 | Imogen Mashazi’s glitzy spree; Uber, Bolt may soon be illegal in SA: Today’s top 7 stories
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.

Only factory of its kind in South Africa to be shut down
Mpact is set to shut its Springs cartonboard mill at the end of March 2026, citing cheaper imports and weak demand, though ongoing electricity and water disruptions also significantly undermined the plant’s viability.

EasyEquities makes big play in the Philippines
EasyEquities has begun onboarding live users to its Global Stocks offering in the Philippines through its partnership with GCash, with it seeing strong initial interest.

South Africans Abroad: Chivaviro nets his SEVENTH of the season
Ranga Chivaviro is doing the most for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Adalah, and he has now scored six goals in his last six matches.
PHOTO ESSAY: Gold fever hits Gugulethu: Residents dig up a kraal in Springs
In the Gugulethu section of Payneville informal settlement in Springs, hundreds of residents have been digging up land they believe contains gold particles. This activity began earlier last week after rumours spread that someone had found gold. The area being dug up is used as a kraal (cattle enclosure).

Bucs newbie Ndaba embraces challenge of competing with veteran Hotto
Promising Orlando Pirates left-back Nkosikhona Ndaba says being forewarned about competing with the ever-green Deon Hotto motivated him to join the Buccaneers.

Ndaba embraces Pirates’ challenge alongside seasoned Hotto
Nkosikhona Ndaba joined Orlando Pirates from Richards Bay, motivated by the challenge of competing with the established Deon Hotto.

New South African bank taking on Capitec has over 140,000 customers – before it has even launched
OM Bank has made a strong early entry into South Africa’s banking market by rapidly growing its customer base through Old Mutual’s existing network.

Prominent attorney wants to run South Africa’s capital city
Well-known attorney Willie Spies has officially entered the mayoral race for the City of Tshwane and returned to the Freedom Front Plus after 16 years.

Orlando Pirates and Abdeslam Ouaddou make PSL history
Orlando Pirates have turned Orlando Amstel Arena into a real slaughterhouse after recording their 11th consecutive win this past weekend.

Gallants continue operations despite Swallows’ legal challenge over unmet obligations
Marumo Gallants, who acquired top-flight status by purchasing Moroka Swallows’ Premiership status, are facing a legal challenge as Swallows seek to reverse the transaction due to unmet obligations, including unpaid taxes