Top Stories

Live cable kills thief, leaving parts of Roodepoort in darkness
Parts of Roodepoort have been left without power after a suspected cable thief attempted to cut a medium-voltage cable, which ended up electrocuting him.
LITERACY CRISIS: Why 15% of South African Grade 3s can’t read a single word — and what’s being done about it
With national reading goals slipping out of reach, a new report reveals the stark reality of South Africa’s literacy crisis and how proactive provinces and private donors are teaming up to save a generation of pupils.

Global retail giant plans to roll out new stores in South Africa’s largest cities
Walmart aims to leverage its Every Day Low Prices model to capitalise on a promotion-saturated retail market and build customer loyalty, but it may struggle to gain sufficient scale and challenge dominant players.

BUDGET 2026 | The big points explained like you’re telling a friend
SPONSORED | OM Bank makes sense of the finance minister’s Budget Speech, breaking down what it means for SA, for your salary and for your petrol tank
WEATHER DISRUPTION: Climate shocks threaten $2.3-trillion global sports economy, study warns
The earth’s changing climate poses an existential threat to the global sports industry.

The companies linked to Paul Mashatile’s son, Thabiso Mashatile
Thabiso Mashatile, the eldest son of South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, is a director or former director of 13 companies.

OPINION | Local government requires more than charismatic personalities and viral moments
Local government elections in SA have consistently recorded lower voter turnout than national and provincial elections.

LETTER READER | Govt failing Kathrada Park dwellers
Children’s safety should not be an afterthought.
Father of Hong Kong activist sentenced to eight months in jail under national security law
A Hong Kong court sentenced the father of a wanted pro-democracy activist to eight months in prison on Thursday under the city’s national security law, after he attempted to terminate her insurance policy and withdraw the funds.
North Korea’s Kim promises more nuclear weapons as Congress closes with military parade
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he would focus on expanding his country’s nuclear arsenal and that prospects for improving relations with the U.S. rested entirely on Washington’s attitude, state media KCNA reported on Thursday.
Wary of US investors, Greenland lawmakers push to pass foreign investment screening law
A surge in property interest from U.S. buyers in Nuuk early last year prompted lawmakers to rush through curbs on foreign purchases and shifted the focus of Greenland’s upcoming foreign-investment screening law, lawmakers and other people familiar with the matter said.
UNICEF alarmed over reports of deadly Myanmar air strikes on civilians
The United Nations children’s agency UNICEF has expressed alarm over reports of Myanmar military air strikes this week that a rebel group and local media said inflicted large civilian casualties, as a civil war rages around the country.

Eskom gets a reality check from the High Court
The High Court ruled that Eskom’s use of bureaucratic “safety” pretexts to block Sibanye’s self-generation project was an unlawful, anti-competitive attempt to protect its revenue at the expense of South Africa’s energy transition.

LETTER READER | Poverty, joblessness threaten our democracy
Poverty has reached crisis levels, with millions trapped in hunger, informal housing, insecure jobs and a debt trap.

Sadtu to investigate members seen ‘protecting’ teacher accused of lashing pupil 92 times
The teacher is allegedly still working at the school

Hunt singles out Butsaka for praise after Stellies’ win over Chiefs
Stellenbosch came from a goal down at FNB Stadium to record their third successive win over Chiefs across all competitions this season.

WATCH LIVE | Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on outcomes of cabinet meeting
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is on Thursday briefing media on the outcomes of the cabinet meeting.

West Indies have firepower to unsettle serene Proteas
Either side can take giant step towards semifinals with a win today

Jessica Motaung urges fans to arrive early for Soweto derby
Stadium Management SA’s digital ticketing system has faced significant issues, causing delays and frustration among fans. Jessica Motaung, Amakhosi’s marketing director, urges fans to arrive early for the upcoming Soweto derby to alleviate these problems.