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Top Stories
FREE TO READ | Soar higher – Explore further
Welcome to this edition of High-Flyers, where curiosity meets adventure, and every journey is a chance to discover something extraordinary.

Top Stories
New R1 billion amusement park coming to major South African city
Durban is set for a major tourism boost with a R1 billion redevelopment of the old Funworld site into a new beachfront amusement park.
Top Stories
GLOBAL DRUG TRAFFICKING: Drugs worth R4.3bn hidden in 2022 fruit exports spark bail battle in India and fraud accusations in SA
In 2022, Daily Maverick reported that Indian authorities intercepted drugs, worth R4.3-billion, hidden in consignments of apples, pears and oranges from South Africa. Now, more details about the case are surfacing, along with accusations of fraud in this country.

South Africa
Manamela says VUT’s fraud scandal won’t affect 2026 academic year
Manamela says he will not allow the recent exposure of fraud at VUT to affect 2026 academic year
South Africa
News24 | Living on R2 320 a month: Here’s how a pensioner spends her grant
Pensioner Noah Libbie, 61, left her home in Bonteheuwel shortly after 9:00 last Tuesday to catch the bus to Parow Centre and collect her Older Person’s Grant. She was one of about four million people who received the grant. GroundUp followed her as she collected her grant, seeing how she stretches it to cover the needs of her household.

South Africa
11-year-old Eastern Cape boy allegedly shot dead by 14-year-old
The gun is believed to belong to the older boy’s father.
South Africa
WC Agriculture hands over working tools to empower women and youth
WC Agriculture hands over working tools to empower women and youth
Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe has handed over working tools aimed at strengthening the local economy through increased food production and expanded opportunities in arts, crafts, and clothing manufacturing.
During an event held in Zwelitsha Village, Matatiele, on Wednesday, Kontsiwe handed over...

World
Trump administration says the U.S. seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast
The Trump administration says it seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, as Congress presses for answers about U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats and the admiral overseeing the strikes retires.

World
Veteran diplomat weighs the meaning of the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker
NPR’s Michel Martin talks to Richard Haass {hahs}, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, about the U.S. seizing an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

World
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado reappears in Oslo as a Nobel laureate
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado appeared in public for the first time in 11 months after a daring escape from her homeland when she emerged from a hotel balcony in Norway’s capital.

World
More than 30 dead after Myanmar military air strike hits hospital
The junta has stepped up bombardments by air in an attempt to reclaim territory from ethnic armies.

Africa
Benin coup plot leader hiding in Togo, official tells BBC
The coup was thwarted after Nigeria sent warplanes to dislodge the mutineers from the offices of state TV.

Africa
Ex-president’s daughter sworn in as South African MP after half-sister quits
Brumelda Zuma will represent the party led by her father in parliament after her half-sister resigned.

Africa
Gunfire as rebels target key DR Congo city despite Trump peace deal
Schools and shops remain closed in Uvira amid fears that rebels have seized some administrative buildings.

Africa
A coup too far: Why Benin’s rebel soldiers failed where others in the region succeeded
Plotters misjudged the national mood and Benin’s neighbours learnt from past errors, says analyst Paul Melly.

Business
This is the average salary in South Africa at the end of 2025
Stats SA has published the latest Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) for the third quarter of 2025, showing that the average salary in the country has hit a record high.

Business
End of work-from-home warning for employers in South Africa
A recent Labour Court judgment has delivered another warning to employers in South Africa who are considering terminating work-from-home arrangements.

Business
End of work-from-home warning for South Africa
A recent Labour Court judgment has delivered another warning to employers in South Africa who are considering terminating work-from-home arrangements.

Business
Retaining scarce skills within the fintech industry
South Africa’s fintech sector is experiencing a skills crisis that extends far beyond its own industry boundaries.

Politics
DA accuses MEC of exploiting nurses over unpaid two month salaries
DA in Gauteng has accused MEC Faith Mazibuko of exploiting nurses over unpaid two month salaries

Politics
Parties in GNU agree to do away with cadre deployment: Hlabisa
The DA has been pushing for the abolition of cadre deployment through court action.

Politics
Consultations underway with IEC to set 2026 elections date: Hlabisa
Minister Hlabisa says consultations are under way with IEC on choosing date for 2026 elections
Politics
News24 | ‘ANC will come back’: A confident Fikile Mbalula says the party will win back power
The ANC will win back majority power, secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said as the party concluded the third day of its national general council in Boksburg on Wednesday.

Sport
Weekly sports quiz: When did Salah last score for Liverpool?
How much attention have you paid to what’s happened in the world of sport over the past seven days?

Sport
Emery’s perseverance & belief key to Villa resurgence
Just 11 weeks ago Aston Villa were winless and third bottom of the Premier League. Now they are in the conversation for the title.
Sport
Four Kaizer Chiefs players add ‘glamour’ to Carling All-Stars XI
Four Kaizer Chiefs players have been voted into the Carling All-Stars XI to face Carling Knockout Cup winners Orlando Pirates.

Sport
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders
A shortlist of six contenders has been announced for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union player Ellie Kildunne, darts player Luke Littler, golfer Rory McIlroy and Formula 1 driver Lando Norris are the nominees.
Education
Kenya: Christmas Gift of Education – Lazizi Welfare Foundation Builds Grade 9 Classroom At Nifikie Christian School
[Capital FM] Nairobi — Lazizi Welfare Foundation marked the holiday season with a celebration that went beyond festivity, highlighting its commitment to quality education for every child.
Education
Nigeria: Amir Fund Revives Prize-Giving Tradition in School
[This Day] The AMIR Fund has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, Ogun State, formally reviving its long-standing prize-giving tradition and expanding the fund’s impact in education.
Education
Rwanda: Inside Kigali Schools’ Fall From Grace
[New Times] Over half of Kigali’s O-Level students failed national exams this year, raising alarm among educators. Stakeholders from across the city therefore convened in Gasabo District on Wednesday, December 10, to discuss the underperformance of a number of primary and secondary schools.
Education
Liberia: Historic First Graduation Held At Notre Dame University Liberia
[FrontPageAfrica] Monrovia: Notre Dame University Liberia made history over the weekend as it celebrated the graduation of its very first class of students.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Sea Point’s iconic Winchester hotel reveals new rooms, event spaces
The Winchester in Sea Point has entered a new era, unveiling a refreshed collection of guest rooms and fully redesigned event spaces.
Lifestyle

Lifestyle
WCBS calls for existing, new blood donors amid critically low stocks
With specific blood stocks running low, the WCBS is urging blood donors, both existing and new, to help replenish their supply.

Entertainment
SIU conducts multiple raids in connection with Ters fraud investigation
UIF staff and business owners in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are accused of defrauding the Ters scheme of over R160 million.

Entertainment
Popular Hyundai Grand i10 receives zero stars for safety in crash test [VIDEO]
The Hyundai i10 is more safer for children than it is for adults.

Entertainment
Lions fringe players ‘fired up’ to set things right — Jarod Cairns
Young Lions loose forward Jarod Cairns believes their extended squad has what it takes to beat Newcastle Red Bulls in their back yard.

Entertainment
‘I cannot wait to represent SA’: Medical student Lesedi Motswaledi crowned Miss Teenager South Africa 2025
Motswaledi will represent South Africa at Miss Teen Model International next year.

Science/Tech
Securing IoT connectivity: how MSB Micro Systems keeps devices in check
Always-on IoT devices demand reliable, secure oversight to prevent failures, losses and operational disruption.

Science/Tech
Pick n Pay ramps up innovation under new head of digital
Kerry Janse van Rensburg plans to boost Pick n Pay’s digital channels and improve the customer experience.
Science/Tech
Hatching the Automobile’s Future in a Cloistered Los Angeles Lab
Desperate to catch up with Chinese automakers, Ford is redesigning its fleet with a Silicon Valley-style team. Is it too late?
Science/Tech
How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Became a Gaming Tour de Force
Without a blockbuster budget or much experience, the creators of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 astounded the industry with an emotional narrative and old-school design.
Motoring

Motoring
Cheaper Jaecoo J5 launched in South Africa – Pricing and features
Jaecoo has slashed the starting price of the J5 SUV by R40,000 in South Africa.
Motoring

Motoring
Good news for diesel prices in South Africa
Diesel users can look forward to a price cut next month, though petrol motorists won’t be as lucky.
Health
How Long Should You Take Antidepressants?
Clinical guidelines are vague, so we asked psychiatrists what to consider when deciding whether to continue taking these medications.
Health
A Surrogacy Firm Told Parents-to-Be Their Money Was Safe. Suddenly, It Vanished.
Surro Connections held itself out as a reliable business. Now, clients have lost as much as tens of thousands of dollars meant to compensate women carrying their pregnancies.

Health
Last minute offer may avert next week’s doctor strike
Deal put forward by ministers includes rapid expansion of training posts, but no promises on pay.

Health
Joe Wicks: Protein’s not just for bodybuilders
The fitness coach explains how it helps and how you can meet your protein needs.