Rhetoric heats up and modern missiles evade defences as the conditions are set for yet more violence in the Middle East

Rhetoric heats up and modern missiles evade defences as the conditions are set for yet more violence in the Middle East - ANALYSIS: Israel’s rhetoric has gone up into the use of the N (azi) word as the battlespace is being shaped for more bloodletting, World affairs editor Sam Kiley reports from Tel Aviv

Mmabatho Montsho announced as a juror at the 2025 Encounters Documentary Film Festival

South African filmmaker and actress Mmabatho Montsho has joined the jury panel at the 2025 Encounters Documentary Film Festival. SA congratulated the star.

Georgia dad learns fate after subjecting children to ‘extreme bootcamp’ punishments likened to ‘torture’

Georgia dad learns fate after subjecting children to ‘extreme bootcamp’ punishments likened to ‘torture’ - Carey Clark and Nora Rodgers withheld food from the children and inflicted physical injuries for years

Indonesia inks strategic partnership with Russia

The leaders of Russia and Indonesia met in St Petersburg, where they lauded strong bilateral ties and Jakarta's new role in the BRICS grouping.

#YouthMonth: Yolanda Maphalala champions agri-tech innovation, sustainable farming in rural KZN

In celebration of Youth Month, we caught up with Yolanda Maphalala, founder and CEO of Isithelo EsiHle Ecological Farm in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal.Yolanda Maphalala, Founder and CEO, Isithelo EsiHle Ecological FarmMaphalala is one of the young leaders using agri-tech innovation and sustainable farming practices to transform rural agriculture and empower her community.Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to start Isithelo...

The world's most densely populated country

The current official count of the global population stands at 8.2 billion. However, a new way of estimating rural populations has been discovered, and has revealed that we may have been vastly undercounting people who live in these areas. Understanding the population of rural areas can be difficult, but there are also many surprises in cities, too. Some unassuming small places have a very high number of people per square mile/kilometer, while some populous cities are not as dense as they seem.Curious? Click through to learn some fascinating facts about population density.

‘I believe Joshlin Smith is still alive’ – State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel

Swanepoel was speaking at a webinar the day after Joshlin’s traffickers and kidnappers filed for leave to appeal against their conviction and life sentences following the child’s disappearance on 19 February 2024.

Key questions in the Air India crash

The world is still waiting for answers, with some making lurid claims of a government cover-up. So what really happened that day in Ahmedabad? Here are the key questions demanding answers.

What really happened during the French Revolution?

The French Revolution, a people's revolution against the ruling class that began on May 5, 1789, would become the model for countless other revolutions around the world. The swift success with which the lower classes were able to rise up and take control of their country was inspiring to those who felt there was no hope of freedom from oppression. But how smooth was the French Revolution actually, and how effective was it in ringing in a new era of freedom in France? After all, any total upheaval of a society is bound to get messy. So, what really happened during and following the French Revolution? Read on to find out.

Mall of Africa wins top global award

Sook x Tyla activation claims Visual Victory at ICSC Awards.Mall of Africa has received international acclaim after winning a Visual Victory Award at the prestigious International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) Global Marketing Awards in Las Vegas last week. The award, which recognises excellence in retail visual merchandising, was presented in the category of Most Creative In-Line Pop-Up Store Design for the Sook x Tyla activation co-hosted...

Out of the black and into the red – Theewaterskloof municipality’s rapid decline

Theewaterskloof has had five mayors and four municipal managers in under four years, largely because of political tussles since November 2021. The once financially stable municipality has been bankrupted within three financial years while the ANC, Patriotic Alliance and GOOD held the political reins. The municipality was put under financial administration in November last year. […]

Mozambique: These are the children the United States left to die

In Mozambique, the health system is overwhelmingly built on US money. When the Trump administration instantly pulled much of this funding without warning, disease and death spread. Spotlight and GroundUp visited one of the worst affected regions to describe the human toll. Hospitals run short of life-saving drugs. Doctors and nurses are laid off en […]

Condemn Gaza genocide, academics, staff urge Stellenbosch University

More than 200 Stellenbosch University staff have said they believe the institution has ‘a special moral responsibility’ to break its silence on the issue, given its history with apartheid.

ActionSA Demands Removal of NPA Head Shamila Batohi, Citing ‘Untenable’ Track Record

Political party ActionSA has escalated its call for the removal of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi, delivering a formal demand to Justice Minister Ronald Lamola. The party argues that Batohi’s leadership has been marked by repeated failures, undermining public trust in the country’s prosecutorial authority. Growing List of Failures ActionSA National Chairperson Michael […]

NWU strengthens global ties and gathers insight ahead of new medical school launch

On 10 June 2025, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of North-West University (NWU), arrived in Curitiba, Brazil, alongside a delegation of senior academic staff, to formalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NWU and the Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR). The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in research, staff development, and the exploration of new academic fields, while also advancing initiatives...

Fascinating facts about Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were now free. Since then, June 19 has been celebrated as Juneteenth across the country. The oldest known US celebration of the end of slavery, Juneteenth is celebrated much like the Fourth of July, with parties, picnics, and gatherings with family and friends. But how did it really come about? And what's its significance today? Check out this gallery for everything you should know about this historic event and celebration.

Panyaza Lesufi’s Nasi iSpani plagued by payment chaos while relaunch looms

Less than a month after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced that his highly criticised Nasi Ispani employment recruitment initiative would be relaunched, more information on the initiative’s struggles to pay Expanded Public Works Programme workers has come to light.

Republicans are split over getting the US military involved in Iran

'Zuma is surrounded by political scoundrels': Floyd Shivambu alleges theft of R7 million a month from MK Party

Floyd Shivambu, former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, reveals a campaign against him for exposing financial misconduct within the party, alleging embezzlement of R7 million monthly.

Eastern Cape cop back at work after pleading guilty to armed robbery, 12 more still on duty despite criminal records

A Nelson Mandela Bay police officer who pleaded guilty – in a disciplinary hearing – to charges of armed robbery, possession of stolen property and the possession of an unlicensed firearm has returned to work after a two-month suspension. The DA’s Yusuf Cassim however said there were serious irregularities with the officer’s disciplinary hearing.

Concerns mount over South African Post Office's recovery strategy

Amidst rising concerns over employee layoffs and a deteriorating service, the South African Post Office’s long-term recovery strategy is under scrutiny

Winner of 250 million euro EuroMillions jackpot has made contact

The Irish winner of the EuroMillions jackpot has contacted The National Lottery, a spokeswoman has confirmed. The winning 250 million euro ticket was sold in a retail outlet in Co Cork. It is the 18th Irish winner and the largest ever Irish win of the EuroMillions jackpot. The winning numbers from Tuesday’s draw were 13, 22, 23, 44 and 49, with luc...

Trump scraps LGBTQ crisis helpline as part of DEI offensive

LA archbishop slams Trump’s ‘cruel and arbitrary’ immigration agenda

LA archbishop slams Trump’s ‘cruel and arbitrary’ immigration agenda - Archbishop José Gomez accused the administration of having ‘no immigration policy beyond the stated goal of deporting thousands of people each day’

‘Bobby Kennedy is going to kill more people than any Cabinet secretary’: James Carville warns of RFK Jr’s vaccine plan

‘Bobby Kennedy is going to kill more people than any Cabinet secretary’: James Carville warns of RFK Jr’s vaccine plan - RFK Jr. recently purged all 17 member of CDC vaccine advisory panel, replacing them with members experts say are critical of vaccines

Kim Jong Un's policies led to North Koreans dying of COVID

More than two years after the outbreak of Covid-19, North Korea finally declared it had recorded its very first case of the virus. In reality, North Koreans had been suffering worse than anyone else

The powerful women behind the Universal Declaration

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is widely regarded as one of the most influential documents of the 20th century. Affirming the human rights of people around the world, it is now the most translated document on the planet. However, the Declaration would have looked very different if it weren't for the hard work, dedication, and impact of the powerful women involved. It is thanks to them that the human rights in the USHR also apply to women, and their legacy lives on in the lives that they’ve changed. But who are they? Click on to find out.

Trump gives Iran two-week deadline to surrender

President Donald Trump will decide whether or not to strike Iran in the next two weeks, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.

OPEC Fund commits $1bn in new financing for developing nations

The OPEC Fund For International Development has pledged to provide more than $1bn in funding to Africa and developing countries elsewhere as part of a broader $2bn pledge by Arab nations over the next five years.Source: PexelsThe fund, founded by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to fund projects in non-OPEC member states, also laid out a new trade finance initiative to help countries secure imports and liquidity during...

Darling Street families in limbo after eviction case postponed

More than 30 residents of a dilapidated government-owned building, 104 Darling Street in Cape Town, remain in limbo as their urgent eviction case was postponed again. The building is owned by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which is seeking to evict the residents. The department says the building is unsafe to live in […]

Trump wants deportation raids in more cities

Trump wants deportation raids in more cities

Israel accuses Iran of "war crimes" after hospital bombing

An Iranian missile struck the Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, southern Israel's main medical facility, on Thursday morning, injuring 71 people and causing significant material damage. This unprecedented attack on health infrastructure sparked outrage among Israeli leaders, who accuse Iran of "war crimes" and vow to hold Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "accountable for his actions." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swore to "exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran," while Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered intensified strikes against Iranian strategic targets. A total of 271 people were injured in this new wave of Iranian attacks that also hit Tel Aviv.

Starmer warns Trump against ‘ramping up’ Middle East conflict by striking Iran

Starmer warns Trump against ‘ramping up’ Middle East conflict by striking Iran - British PM calls for restraint and a return to diplomacy as Trump delays decision for at least two weeks

Urgent applications: What you need to know about the new court rules

New procedural changes affecting urgent applications in South Africa’s High Court and Magistrates’ Courts come into effect on 4 July 2025. These updates mark a shift in how litigants initiate and navigate urgent relief, especially where time and precision are critical.Image source: bandit phinpho – 123RF.comFor legal and business teams dealing with time-sensitive risks, these changes provide clearer pathways, and call for greater clarity,...

WC declares Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve a protected area

Earlier this year, Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell declared the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve a protected area per the National Environmental Protected Areas Act.Image supplied.The declaration provides the highest level of legal protection under the act. It ensures that the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Nature Reserve will continue conservation efforts, while allowing for...

Christian group threatens council over pride flags

The flags were permitted by the council, but the religious group has threatened legal action.

Johannesburg builds on its top position as Africa’s premier data centre market

Insights from Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL highlight strategic positioning, data-driven momentum and growing market readiness on the continent Johannesburg officially confirmed its position as Africa’s digital infrastructure powerhouse. Calvin Crick, Director of Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL Transaction Services, reports the newly released Cushman & Wakefield 2025 Global Data Centre Market Comparison ranks Johannesburg […]

TUT Vice-Chancellor could face lawsuit from Bapedi Kingdom over Sekhukhune campus dispute

Tshwane University of Technology's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, is facing legal action from the Bapedi Kingdom over allegations of failing to establish a promised campus in Sekhukhune, raising concerns of corruption and mismanagement

Houston man arrested after fatally shooting his girlfriend in her apartment and sending photos to her family, cops say

Houston man arrested after fatally shooting his girlfriend in her apartment and sending photos to her family, cops say - Lazette King‘s family allege Michael Ellis had pulled guns on her in the past

Pete Hegseth urged his staff to take a ‘passive’ approach to celebrating Juneteenth, report claims

Pete Hegseth urged his staff to take a ‘passive’ approach to celebrating Juneteenth, report claims - Juneteenth was named a federal holiday four years ago under then-President Joe Biden

Huge payday boost coming for millions of Aussies

The three million Australians with student debt are set to see a huge reduction in their loan repayments - backed to June 2025.

Outrage after cat fur clothing sold in Australia

Outrage after cat fur clothing sold in Australia - Beanies made of dog and racoon fur found in Melbourne market

Cradock Four: South Africa opens new inquiry into apartheid-era torture and killings

Cradock Four: South Africa opens new inquiry into apartheid-era torture and killings - The case concerns four Black men who were abducted, tortured and killed 40 years ago this month by apartheid-era security forces in South Africa

LA supervisor warns of ICE impersonators after masked men profile staffer’s godson

LA supervisor warns of ICE impersonators after masked men profile staffer’s godson - Alleged incident comes as California lawmakers push to ban federal agents from wearing masks amid aggressive Trump administration enforcement push

Spain threatens to block NATO's 5% defense spending target

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is pushing bloc members to boost their defence spending to 5% GDP by 2032, after Trump declared America's allies were shirking their responsibilities

Ukrainian forces destroyed a strange Russian drone weapon

Floyd Shivambu to step out of the shadow of Malema and Zuma, but his future is uncertain

Floyd Shivambu, the perennial sidekick, faces an uphill battle on his own.

Cyberwarfare expert warns how Iranian hackers could attack America

As the conflict in Iran reaches a critical tipping point for the US, analysts have issued an urgent warning that an attack on America is not just possible, it's likely.

Africa Energy sees first output from South Africa's largest gas field by 2033

Canada-listed Africa Energy Corp is aiming to start production from South Africa's largest gas discovery by 2033 as it forges ahead with a project former operator TotalEnergies walked away from.Image: Africa EnergyThe company is awaiting regulatory approval for a reworked environmental authorisation to survey Block 11B/12B off South Africa's southern coast.Using domestic gas is a key part of South Africa's strategy to diversify away from...

MK Party Youth League launch, and more from around the world

Moving, tragic, surprising, inspiring, terrifying, shocking... This is a selection of images from our planet, over the past week.