Top Stories
South African rand can go from zero to hero – and back to zero
The rand has rebounded sharply in 2025, gaining 10% against the dollar and reaching its lowest volatility in decades, supported by a weaker US dollar, strong commodity prices and improving South African fundamentals. However, as with any trend, this will not last forever.
The billionaire-founded South African wine estate that ranks among the best in the world
Tokara Wine & Olive Farm, founded by billionaire GT Ferreira and his wife, Anne-Marie, has been recognised as one of the best wine farms in the word.
Smart Money – Where South Africa’s top business minds share their expertise
Engage with the insights of leading South African executives on the Smart Money podcast.
CUPPA INITIATIVE: Local hobbyists turn curiosity into a growing coffee collective in Winterskloof
A quiet coffee revolution is brewing in a mist-belt valley on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg. Pioneered by a group of local women, the initiative is brimful of enthusiasm, if not expertise – yet.
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.
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.