Jack Smith’s closed-door testimony released by House Republicans after Judiciary Committee deposition
The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday released a full transcript and video of former special counsel Jack Smith’s closed-door deposition before the Republican-led panel earlier this month. The release consists of a 255-page transcript and more than 8 hours of video. Smith sought to testify publicly, but his request was denied by Republicans on the…
New Year welcomed around the world
Matthew Tuckerand Lucy Talavera AFP via Getty Images Fireworks lit up the midnight sky over Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House during New Year’s Day celebrations in Australia Nations around the world are welcoming the New Year as midnight strikes across different time zones. The island of Kiritimati – an atoll in the remote…
DStv dodges channel blackout in last-minute deal with Warner Bros
DStv parent Groupe Canal+ and Warner Bros Discovery have reached a last-minute agreement that will see 12 channels, including CNN International and Cartoon Network, stay on the DStv bouquet following the warning earlier this month that they might be discontinued. According to a statement by Canal+ on Wednesday, the deal between the two broadcasting giants…
Africa: UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset As Military Spending Hits Record High
Abuja — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned the world is at a critical turning point, urging global leaders to redirect priorities from war to peace as military spending reaches unprecedented levels. In his New Year video message, Guterres said the international community is grappling with deepening chaos and uncertainty marked by growing divisions,…
New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations kick off as the new year dawns around the world
Around the world, 2026 has begun to arrive. Countries in the South Pacific were first to ring in the new year, as midnight struck in New Zealand a full 18 hours before the ball was scheduled to drop in New York’s Times Square. In Auckland, New Zealanders welcomed 2026 with a fireworks display launched from…
DBE to defend bid to block matric results publication
Matric results will be released on 14 January 2026. (Photograph: Freepik.) Days ahead of the release of matric results on 14 January for the 2025 cohort, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) says it will defend a new court bid by the Information Regulator to stop it from publishing these in the media. The Information…
West Africa: NAFDAC Okays First Robotic Surgical Platform in West Africa
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved the Toumai robotic surgical system for clinical use. The approval marked a regulatory clearance that positions Nigeria as the first country in West Africa to authorise a robotic surgery platform for patient care. This followed an assessment of safety and efficacy based…
Saudi-UAE fallout and its impact on Yemen’s recognised government | Opinions
Saudi Arabia’s strike on Mukalla port has triggered tensions with its partner in the Arab coalition in Yemen and its Gulf Arab neighbour, the United Arab Emirates. The coalition spokesman, Major-General Turki al-Maliki, said two ships entered the port of Mukalla, carrying more than 80 vehicles and containers of weapons and ammunition destined for the…
The rand just pulled off its biggest comeback in 16 years
The rand ended 2025 nearly 13% stronger against the US dollar, marking its biggest annual gain in 16 years as the greenback weakened broadly. The risk-sensitive currency posted its first yearly rise against the dollar since 2019 and its largest increase since 2009, supported by South Africa’s improved fiscal performance, success in containing inflation and…
Africa: Senegal Conclude Group D With Comfortable Win Over Benin As Both Progress to Round of 16
Tunisia qualify as Tanzania keep knockout hopes alive DR Congo face Botswana, Benin meet Senegal All the action from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Senegal 3-0 Benin Senegal underlined their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title credentials with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin in their final Group D encounter, in an entertaining…