
Top Stories
Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China’s plan to boost birth rates
Chinese people pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services are exempt.
THURSDAY, 01 JANUARY 2026, 01:22

Top Stories
Chinese people pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services are exempt.

Top Stories
The PM acknowledges “things have been tough” but says 2026 will see “positive change”.
Top Stories

Top Stories
Video verified by the BBC shows a crowd breaking the gate of the governor’s office in Fasa.

South Africa
Pappas and Prinsloo had indeed made the required declarations.

South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the G20 Presidency ensured that Africa’s voice is recognised.

South Africa
SPCA inspectors are on standby 24/7 to respond to animal emergencies

South Africa
Makhadzi Entertainment has confirmed the musician was involved in a crash.

World
The move is dividing the nation – some welcome it as a bold leap forwards, but others fear it will lead to economic stagnation.

World
In Mumbai, some celebrate New Year’s Eve with an effigy of the old year. It’s just one of many New Years celebrated in India.

World
After decades of neglect, Germany has announced a 100-billion-euros investment into the national railway operator. But some say it will take more than money to get its trains back on track.

World
Countries around the world celebrated the new year with colourful shows and long held traditions.

Africa
The two states say they are taking reciprocal measures after the US announced full-entry restrictions on their citizens.

Africa
TikTok, YouTube and Facebook are down, as the nation awaits the final result from the presidential poll.

Africa
Forward John Mano, who lost his best friend to the civil war in Sudan, says the squad will “fight” for their country on the pitch at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Africa
“We cannot live freely. You cannot even play music” – residents tell the BBC of militants’ rule.

Business
Leroy Merlin is one of several interional companies expanding into South Africa, with the company opening a massive new development in KZN.

Business
It’s been a roller coaster year for the stock market, but the S&P 500 is set to end 2025 up about 17%, the third straight year of double-digit gains.

Business
South Africa is moving toward a fully digital identity system, signalling the end of an era for the iconic green ID book.

Business
The rand has marked one of its best years in recent memory in 2025, with economists expecting the good time to keep rolling in the new year.

Politics
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke during his New Year’s message earlier Wednesday afternoon.

Politics
The President also highlighted the importance of respecting women and young girls.

Politics
The late Brian Hlongwa has been described as a leader who served with humility.

Politics
Brian Hlongwa’s funeral is underway at Walter Sisulu Hall in Randburg.

Sport
Ex-Pirates winger Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena is backing Mohau Nkota to find his form at Bafana Bafana during the AFCON.

Sport
Bafana Bafana’s AFCON journey will be tested in the round of 16. They will face one of the strongest teams in the continent.

Sport
Nathan Ake rejects interest from West Ham, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain join Manchester United in battle for Yan Diomande’s signature, and Brennan Johnson in line for medical at Crystal Palace.

Sport
Tottenham Hotspur agree to sign Matilda Nilden from BK Hacken in January, subject to international clearance and a work permit.
Education
Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect, announced several key appointments who could help implement central promises of his agenda, including universal child care.
Education
[ENA] Addis Ababa — Addis Ababa University (AAU) has reaffirmed its commitment to attaining international competitiveness while serving as a central driver of Ethiopia’s national development.
Education
The mayor-elect’s turnaround came as he selected Kamar Samuels to lead New York City’s school system at a precarious moment.
Education
[ENA] Addis Ababa — Students of higher education institutions said the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Program is equipping them with essential skills that enable them to actively participate in the country’s growing digital ecosystem.

Lifestyle
Award-winning musician Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, was involved in a car accident on Wednesday morning.

Lifestyle
Rachel John, the woman rumoured to be dating Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, celebrated her 25th birthday on New Year’s Eve.

Lifestyle
Large numbers of dead white mussels, whelks and other shellfish have been washing ashore on the West Coast over the past 48 hours.
Lifestyle

Entertainment
Ramaphosa reflects on 2025 hardships and urges citizens to unite, citing economic recovery, youth employment, and anti-corruption efforts.

Entertainment
A total of R76.5 million in jackpots is up for grabs tonight. Here are your Lotto and Lotto Plus results for 31 December 2025.

Entertainment
A total of R700 000 in jackpots is up for grabs tonight! Here are your winning Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results for 31 December 2025.

Entertainment
Makhadzi Entertainment requested privacy for Makhadzi and her family during this period.
Science/Tech
OpenAI is paying employees more than any major tech startup in history, with average stock-based compensation hitting roughly $1.5 million per worker in 2025. “That is more than seven times higher than the stock-based pay Google disclosed in 2003, before it filed for an initial public offering in 2004,” reports the Wall Street Journal. “The $1.5 million is about 34 times the average employee...
Science/Tech
Reuters reports that the United States Department of the Treasury under the Donald Trump administration has lifted sanctions on three executives linked to the spyware firm Intellexa. Reuters reports: The move partially reverses the imposition of sanctions last year by then-President Joe Biden’s administration on seven people tied to Intellexa. The Treasury Department at the time described the...
Science/Tech
An anonymous reader quotes a report from the Guardian: France intends to follow Australia and ban social media platforms for children from the start of the 2026 academic year. A draft bill preventing under-15s from using social media will be submitted for legal checks and is expected to be debated in parliament early in the new year. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has made it clear in...
Science/Tech
New Jersey has found its answer to the relentless flooding that has plagued the state’s coastal and inland communities for decades: buy the homes, demolish them and turn the land back into open space permanently. The state’s Blue Acres program has acquired some 1,200 properties since 1995, spending more than $234 million in federal and state funds to pay fair market value to homeowners...

Motoring
South Africa has a secret test track that has been kept under wraps for nearly two decades, located near a nearby highway where cars can travel at speeds of up to 250km/h.

Motoring
The carmaker is on course for its second consecutive decline in annual vehicle sales.

Motoring
Volvo has identified a potential issue with the high-voltage battery cells manufactured by one of its suppliers on certain vehicles.

Motoring
Chinese brands are competing amongst themselves to dominate South Africa’s fastest-growing car segment.

Health
Emma Giannuzzi used sunbeds throughout her late teens and was twice diagnosed with melanoma.

Health
The Food Chain’s Ruth Alexander on what helps – and what doesn’t – if you’ve overindulged.

Health
The weather alert service warns the public when high or low temperatures could damage their health.
Health
Now that the condition is known to spread sexually, there are steps you and your partner can take to prevent it.