Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-22 i Daily News

In a historic move that signals the end of an era for traditional television, the Academy Awards are officially heading to YouTube. On Wednesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a massive multiyear deal that grants YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars from 2029 through to 2033. This marks a major pivot for Hollywood’s most prestigious night, ending a partnership with ABC that dates all the way back to 1976. For movie lovers around the world, this is incredibly exciting news. The move is designed to meet audiences where they already are: online. By shifting to a platform that boasts over two billion users, the ceremony will now reach a far greater number of viewers than ever before. This isn’t just about moving a broadcast…

THE IFP is considering postponing its elective conference to 2027 in order to avoid divisions ahead of the local government elections next year. Two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said postponement is being discussed by the national leadership and the decision would be taken when the leadership meets early next year. “We have heard that there will be no conference next year as was expected. No party would want to hold an elective conference on the year of elections so I suspect it is the same reason why the leadership wants to postpone it,” said a local leader. The leader, who is a known backer of IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa, said he would welcome the decision because he does not see the reason for a conference since the…

A 29-year-old Cape Town musician and mother is preparing to lay formal criminal charges on South African soil after she reported that she was allegedly sexually assaulted and choked by her colleague on the cruise ship MSC Musica while ashore in Portugal. MSC authorities have confirmed an investigation is under way. The colleague, who is also a South African musician, was her singing partner as a music duo aboard the ship. The woman and the colleague’s cabin were cordoned off for 24 hours before he was allowed to subsequently resume his duties as a singer. The victim, who cannot be identified, told the Daily News’ sister title, the Cape Argus, this week, upon returning home from the cruise ship, that she is now preparing to formally open a case with…

Australians fell silent in flickering candlelight yesterday to honour the Bondi Beach shooting victims, one week after gunmen fired into crowds at a Jewish festival. A father and son are accused of targeting the beachside Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people in the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in almost three decades. From raucous city pubs to sleepy country towns, Australia observed a minute’s silence at 6.47pm. Countless homes lined their windowsills with candles in a gesture of “light over darkness”, a key theme of the Hanukkah festival. “Last week took our innocence and, like the grass here at Bondi was stained with blood, so too has our nation been stained,” said David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies. Summer winds buffeted flags lowered to half-mast across…

Emerging technologies, such as the internet of things (IoT), big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly evolving, with the potential to transform society and the economy.Africa stands a unique opportunity to reboot its development by leveraging new technologies and reliable tech partnerships for mutually beneficial socio-economic transformation. AI and emerging technologies are projected to contribute around $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030 through rapid tech adoption, accelerated sustainable growth and development. Advances in renewable energy, broadband infrastructure, and digital public services are strengthening resilience and fostering more inclusive tech adoption for development. The African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) provide crucial frameworks which could benefit from the growing adoption of new technologies and supportive tech partnerships to leapfrog the continent into…

The much awaited fourth edition of the SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 competition, is set to get underway on Friday, and Independent Media’s Ongama Gcwabe selects Six Batters To Watch. Lhuandre-dre Pretorius - Paarl Royals There will be high expectations for the 19-year-old top-order batter, having topped the runs charts with 397 runs, including three half-centuries and a high score of 97 in his debut SA20 season. This year, the youngster returns with a lot more experience having played international cricket across three formats. The Paarl Royals will be looking to the opening batter to get them to a flying start throughout the competition. Heinrich Klaasen - Durban’s Super Giants Klaasen has been by far the best white ball batter in the last three to four years. This year, with…

Arne Slot was left to count the cost of Liverpool's chaotic 2-1 win at nine-man Tottenham after Alexander Isak's rare goal was followed by a potentially damaging injury. Isak fired Liverpool into a second-half lead in north London with a clinical finish, only to limp off moments later after being injured by Micky van de Ven’s failed attempt to stop him scoring. The Sweden striker’s third goal for Liverpool since his British record £125 million move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day had offered hope that he was finally set to live up to his hefty price tag. Instead, Reds boss Slot now faces an anxious wait to determine how long the 26-year-old will be sidelined with his ankle problem. Slot would only say that Isak’s injury was “not a…

Cape Town is home, and for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, that matters more than anything else. While rugby teams from across the world were lining up with big offers and promises of lucrative contracts, he chose to stay where it all began. Money and overseas interest couldn’t compete with the connection he feels to the city, the team and the people who support it. Feinberg-Mngomezulu (23) has committed his future to Stormers Rugby until 2029, turning down strong interest from Japan and other major rugby markets. As his form has improved and his profile has grown, so too has the attention. But instead of chasing the biggest deal, he decided to back the environment he knows and believes in. That decision was shared with supporters in memorable fashion on Saturday afternoon at…

US First Lady Melania Trump is opening herself up to the world, giving an inside look into her life before her husband’s second swearing-in in an Amazon documentary. The teaser for Melania, which comes out January 30, shows the famously private Slovenian-American former model fixing the camera with an unflinching gaze and summing up her husband’s comeback in four words: “Here we go again.” Amazon’s licensing deal for the film is reportedly valued at about $40 million. Melania, who served as an executive producer, is set to receive 70% of that amount, a figure that has drawn scrutiny from her critics, according to The Wall Street Journal. Amazon MGM promises “unprecedented access” in the documentary, which chronicles the 20 days leading up to Inauguration Day in January, from transition…

As South Africa navigates through the festive season, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has reported impressive results from its ongoing operation, Niyenzanienzweni (in action), including fewer road deaths. The operation has halted approximately 73 055 vehicles and issued 10 953 charges to motorists for various traffic offences, including speeding and driving without licences. The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, shared the findings during an engagement with motorists at the Marrianhill Toll Plaza along the N3 on Saturday. In addition to the roadblocks, the operation has resulted in over 500 arrests for drunk driving, while 659 unlicensed vehicles were intercepted, and 704 motorists were found operating without driver’s licences. Duma commended the dedicated work of the Road Traffic Inspectorate and the collaboration with national and municipal traffic officers,…

Msunduzi ratepayers were hoping to engage with the municipal manager about the recent Financial Recovery Plan and the Revenue Enhancement Strategy that painted a bleak picture of the municipality’s financial state An FRP report noted that the Msunduzi Municipality experienced a rapid deterioration, moving from a positive cash position of R766 million to a cash deficit of R919m in the 2024/25 financial year. The municipality met with officials from the national and provincial treasuries on November 24. Among the key points of discussion were the financial state of the municipality, the operating budget performance, cash position, and financial ratios. The FRP report stated that while there was an improvement in revenue performance over two years, the municipality has not performed well in managing expenditure. The report highlighted that the financial…

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has expressed her condolences and deep sadness at the news of the passing of advocate Riegal du Toit, a deputy director of public prosecutions in Gauteng. Du Toit, a well-known prosecutor, died at his Sinoville home, north of Pretoria on Thursday. Police said in a statement that they attended the scene and found a man in his swimming pool with a bullet wound to his head. While the SAPS did not release the name, it was confirmed to be Du Toit. No foul play is suspected at this stage, but an inquest would be held later to determine the circumstances of his deat, they said. Kubayi said in a statement yesterday that Du Toit, who was stationed at the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) office in Johannesburg,…

In a moment that resonates deeply in the annals of South African football history, coach Hugo Broos will lead Bafana Bafana for the 50th time this December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco. The national team’s journey under the Belgian mentor has enjoyed significant progress, ambition, and a renewed hope amongst the nation’s passionate supporters. The highly anticipated match against Angola, is taking place this evening at 7pm (South African time). Broos’ tenure began on a promise of better days for Bafana Bafana when the South African Football Association (SAFA) appointed him on May 5, 2021. His first match at the helm, a thrilling 3-2 victory over Uganda at Orlando Stadium on June 10, 2021, not only set a winning tone but also ignited optimism in a fan…

IT WOULD be stretching it a little to suggest Hugo Broos resembled a kid in a sweetshop as he anticipated the start of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Yet for a coach going into his third tournament, the old man’s excitement was palpable. And that’s a good thing as South Africa seek to win only their second title in three decades. There was no air of ‘been there, done that’ - as would have been the case with some coaches - as the Belgian coach of Bafana Bafana addressed the media ahead of their Group B opener against Angola in Marrakech tonight (7pm kick-off). Instead, there was a glint in the septuagenarian’s eye as he reflected on his previous two experiences which yielded medals. A winner with Cameroon back…

BAFANA BAFANA against Angola in the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is there a more familiar fixture? South Africa’s senior national team begins their campaign at the 35th edition of the biennial, continental showpiece against a foe they’ve met many times before. Monday's clash between the COSAFA nations will be the fifth such since South Africa’s return to international football in 1992. Back in 1996 when Bafana Bafana reigned supreme on the continent, one of the countries we beat en route to that glory was Angola. I remember that match vividly. It was a few days after we had smashed Cameroon 3-0 in the tournament and many of us descended upon the old FNB Stadium anticipating a similar outcome. I was a cadet journalist at The…

Following South Africa’s penultimate bilateral T20I series before the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, the 1-3 series loss in India, several players have questions marks hanging over their head in terms of making the Proteas squad for the showpiece event. South Africa were poor in some games during the India series, especially the opening game where they were bowled out for 70-odd in Cuttack, their lowest total in T20I cricket. They were also brilliant in some games, with the second match in New Chandigarh where they beat India by 51 runs to level the series being their highlight of the series. Two players stood out, and it’s the vastly experienced fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock. Ngidi was not only South Africa’s best bowler but was…

Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana has detailed a horrific and unprovoked attack at a tavern in Bekkersdal near Johannesburg, in which multiple people were killed and seriously injured. At least nine people were shot dead and 10 others injured in a shooting in Bekkersdal during the early hours of yesterday. According to Kekana, a white Toyota Quantum and a silver Toyota Etios arrived at the tavern where people had been going about their business when the attackers opened fire at them around 1am. “They attacked, randomly shot the people, some of the people tried to run away. Two of people tried to get into a black Golf..., they were also shot and killed,” Kekana said. Inside the tavern, three people were shot and killed, while 10 others sustained…

Parties and experts have slammed that the news of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers recommending a 4.1% salary increase for public office bearers for the 2025/2026 financial year. The recommendation, published in a government gazette this week, proposed increases at the highest levels of government. If approved, the president’s annual salary would rise by about R137 000 to approximately R3.4 million. The deputy president would receive an increase of just under R130 000, taking his earnings to around R3.1m a year. Cabinet ministers stand to benefit from an increase of about R110 000, pushing their annual pay to roughly R2.8. Deputy ministers would earn more than R2.3m per year under the proposed adjustments. National spokesperson for the MKP, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said that the president has…

Several Western Cape municipalities had their hands full over the weekend battling severe fire conditions, which destroyed properties, land and left several residents displaced. In the Theewaterskloof Municipality, firefighting operations continued throughout the night following severe fire conditions experienced on Saturday when a fire broke out on the N2 at Myddelton, before the Caledon Casino. Just before midday on Saturday, the municipality said the situation had stabilised, with containment achieved in key areas, and active monitoring and mop-up operations remaining in place. “The main fire front has been brought under control. Isolated flare-ups were recorded, with backburning successfully completed to strengthen fire lines,” they said. “Bulk water infrastructure is not under immediate threat and continues to be closely monitored.” Regarding the Tesselaarsdal fire, the Great Overberg FPA said that it…

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday evening, will highlight the depth of talent emanating from African football clubs. As major leagues across the continent take a break for the continental showpiece, it is no surprise to see strong African representation on the tournament roster. Sudanese football powerhouse Al-Hilal leads the charge, contributing an impressive 11 players to the tournament. The renowned South African sides, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have collectively 17 players who will don the South African national jersey. Pirates have nine players, and Sundowns are fielding eight. Sundowns’ seasoned goalkeeper Denis Onyango will be rallying the Ugandan squad. AFCON 2025 will not exclusively showcase players from Africa; it features talent from across the global football spectrum. However, French Ligue…

Australia captain Pat Cummins is unlikely to feature in the Boxing Day Test against England, scheduled to take place from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After a five-and-a-half-month injury break, the Australian captain took six wickets in the third Test and was a key factor in their 82-run win at the Adelaide Oval. Following wins in Perth and Brisbane, the hosts continued their strong performance and clinched the series 3-0, successfully retaining the Ashes. The captain expressed joy over the “amazing” series victory but indicated he will reconsider injury risks for the upcoming matches. “I’m feeling really good, but as for the rest of the series, we’ll wait and see. We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it’s the Ashes there to be won and we thought…

The Sharks secured their second win under interim head coach JP Pietersen with a valuable victory over the Bulls on Saturday at Kings Park, a result that continued their upward trend after a difficult start to the season. Playing in front of a full stadium in Durban, the coastal side produced a more measured and disciplined performance to seal a 21–12 victory in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Their defensive effort was consistent throughout the match, while their game management showed improvement as they controlled periods of pressure and capitalised on scoring opportunities when they presented themselves. The Bulls tested the home side with their physical approach and dominated at scrum time, but the Sharks responded well, matching the intensity and maintaining their structure. Importantly, they avoided lapses in concentration…