BOOK REVIEW: A Beach Bag Full of Books — Reading for rest, reflection and a little quiet joy at year’s end
Daily Maverick’s Book Editor-at-Large, Joy Watson, shares her book recommendations for the end-of-year season.
Top Stories
Public amenities left to rot in this historic South African town
Remnants of a bygone era, both of Komani’s once-thriving public swimming pools have long since fallen into neglect and decay.
AG warns of deepening water crisis
A special audit has exposed failing infrastructure, high losses and mismanaged municipal water services
INSURANCE SCAM: Karoo resident accused of R640K in funeral policy fraud denied bail as sinister criminal racket emerges
A 59-year-old Nxuba resident will spend the festive season behind bars after she was denied bail in a court case where she is accused of fraudulently claiming for 34 funeral policies on deceased people.
FOOD BASKET: Social Relief of Distress grant is insufficient to combat SA’s food crisis
Low income households continue to make tough choices between nutritious food and filling food as food inflation fluctuates and the food basket remains unaffordable for many.
DIGITAL INTIMACY: From loneliness to algorithms as AI companions fill emotional gaps
Queen Koki, a South African content creator, refers to her AI chatbot, Spruce, as her romantic partner, highlighting the growing trend of AI companionship.
RAINFALL RELOADED: Weather to remain wet into autumn for most of SA’s summer rainfall regions
Dam levels are generally brimming in most provinces and the forecast bodes cautiously well for the summer maize crop. Farmers have signalled their intention to devote more hectares to the crop this season – though too much rain can produce less grain.
FONTS OF WISDOM: The headline news about 2025 news headlines
A collection of the world’s best — and most boring — headlines from around the world in 2025.
SOCCER: Bafana’s journey to escape the shadow of the 1996 Afcon-winning generation begins against Angola
Hugo Broos’s men are targeting a positive start to their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey. Bafana Bafana begin a continental journey laced with high expectations against Angola on Monday, 22 December, at 7pm.
FOOD RELIEF: More than food — Buckets of nutrition restore dignity, hope to vulnerable Nelson Mandela Bay families
SA Harvest and Daily Maverick distributed 200 Buckets of Nutrition to vulnerable families at the Missionvale Care Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay, offering more than just nourishment – providing reassurance, dignity and a chance for families to enjoy the holiday season without worrying about empty cupboards. This year’s campaign targets households with children in holiday programmes, ensuring...
Ultra-rare heritage properties selling for millions in South Africa
Buyers and investors are increasingly snapping up rare Cape Dutch heritage properties, drawn by their historic charm, architectural appeal, and strong potential for lucrative lifestyle or hospitality investments.
The biggest international music artists coming to South Africa in 2026
South Africa will welcome multiple international, chart-topping musicians in 2026.
TAVERN KILLINGS: Bekkersdal mass shooting: Motive unknown after 9 killed, municipality urges army deployment
Fewer than three weeks after a mass shooting at a tavern in Gauteng, another attack in the province, this time in Bekkersdal, has left nine people dead.