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Economists cautiously welcome US move to extend AGOA

Independent economic analyst, Professor Bonke Dumisa, says the US Congress House of Representatives’ vote to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a positive development for South Africa, but cautions that US President Donald Trump could still use executive powers to exclude the country. AGOA, a trade programme enacted in 2000, aims to boost and diversify African trade with the US. It allows duty-free entry for a wide range of African products into America, with almost 40 sub-Saharan […]

todayJanuary 13, 2026 73 2

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Hairstylist Snenhlanhla Mthembu recovering in ICU while facing assault charges

The family of 31-year-old Snenhlanhla Mthembu says she remains in high spirits as she recovers in hospital. Mthembu’s story gripped the nation after she shared images suggesting ongoing abuse by her partner. The Durban-based hairstylist, who is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU), posted several videos and images showing her badly bruised and battered face. https://www.instagram.com/p/DTa3LVsDYO4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==   Her 24-year-old partner has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon over charges of assault with intent to […]

todayJanuary 13, 2026 187

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SADAG urges matriculants not to let results define their worth

As matriculants anxiously await the official release of their results, mental health advocacy group, South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has urged learners and parents to approach the period with compassion and perspective. SADAG warns that the pressure surrounding matric results can be overwhelming, with many learners experiencing heightened anxiety and fear. "Many learners are feeling anxious, scared, and overwhelmed, not because they haven't worked hard, but because so much pressure is placed on these results. So to our […]

todayJanuary 12, 2026 57 1

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“Our softness is not a liability”: Teyana Taylor

Grammy-nominated singer and dancer Teyana Taylor has captured global attention after dedicating her Golden Globe win to brown girls around the world. Taylor won Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in One Battle After Another at the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, held in Beverly Hills, California, on Sunday night. She triumphed over strong contenders including Amy Madigan and Ariana Grande in the category. An emotional Taylor accepted the award with a powerful and heartfelt speech that […]

todayJanuary 12, 2026 51 1 2

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Matric top achievers honoured for resilience ahead of 2025 results

South Africa’s top matric achievers of 2025 were honoured at a ministerial breakfast in Randburg on Monday, with the Department of Basic Education describing the event as a recognition of resilience, perseverance and excellence — particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The breakfast, held just hours before the official release of the National Senior Certificate results, brought together top-performing learners from across the country, many visiting Gauteng for the first time. Basic Education spokesperson, Terrence Khala, said the gathering marked […]

todayJanuary 12, 2026 812

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Umalusi clears 2025 Matric Exams despite paper leak; 40 results withheld

Umalusi has certified the integrity and credibility of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, clearing the way for the official release of matric results next week — despite the confirmation of an examination paper leak affecting a small number of candidates. The quality assurance body briefed the media on Friday, outlining the outcomes of its moderation, monitoring and standardisation processes as South Africa counts down to the matric results announcement. Umalusi said its evaluation found the examinations to be […]

todayJanuary 9, 2026 268 2

News

OPINION | Born Unequal: How South Africa’s ECD system reinforces class divides

As South Africa prepares for a new academic year in its basic education system, familiar debates once again take centre stage, ranging from access to education, school readiness, and persistent infrastructure backlogs. This year, however, society’s attention must turn more deliberately to early childhood development (ECD) as a core basic education competence, and to recognising that it is not merely a care sector but an economy. It is an essential pillar of social and economic development. Although the sector now […]

todayJanuary 9, 2026 85

News

Suspected human trafficker appears in court as Hawks probe organised crime links

A suspected human trafficker appeared in court on Thursday following the rescue of twelve Ethiopian teenage boys found wandering half-naked in Johannesburg South, in what authorities believe may be part of a larger trafficking operation. The 47-year-old Ethiopian national made a brief appearance at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court, where he faces twelve counts of kidnapping and an additional charge of failing to stop for police. The victims are believed to be between 13 and 19 years old. The appearance was […]

todayJanuary 8, 2026 52

News

Opposition cries foul over Ramaphosa’s appointment of Andy Mothibi as NDPP

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to bypass the official interview shortlist and appoint Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who are questioning the transparency and political implications of the move. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have both raised concerns, with the MK Party making particularly explosive allegations about the timing and motive behind the appointment. The EFF […]

todayJanuary 7, 2026 52