Stay informed in just a few minutes with News Byte, your fast, reliable update on South Africa’s top stories.
In today’s episode, another overseas work scam has left South Africans stranded and traumatised. Twenty-five people who were promised lucrative jobs in Thailand but were instead trafficked to scam compounds in Myanmar have finally returned home. DIRCO says it is working urgently to assist more victims still trapped abroad and is warning young job seekers to be extremely cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers circulating online.
The Border Management Authority has disrupted a suspected human trafficking operation at OR Tambo International Airport. Fourteen Ethiopian nationals were intercepted on arrival, followed hours later by sixteen Bangladeshi men found with fraudulent visas. Officials say increased data analysis and surveillance at ports of entry are helping them pick up irregular patterns much faster.
Meanwhile, tensions in the tripartite alliance are rising. The ANC has confirmed that SACP members will be excluded from election strategy meetings ahead of next year’s local government elections. The SACP’s Deputy General Secretary, Madala Masuku, says the party is not a junior partner and insists the alliance must be based on respect and clarity of purpose.
We’re also keeping an eye on:
• Eleven Anti-Gang Unit officers are appearing in a Western Cape court over the alleged murder of a Manenberg gang member earlier this year.
• The Gqeberha High Court’s decision to deny the NPA leave to appeal Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso’s acquittal on charges including rape, trafficking and racketeering.
SPORTS
Quinton de Kock rolled back the years with a blistering 46-ball 90 as the Proteas levelled their T20 series against India in style. It is his first T20 international series since the 2024 World Cup final. Meanwhile, Hugo Broos’ fiery comments about “unprofessional attitudes” among some SA players continue to spark debate, with Doctor Khumalo weighing in after political parties called for the Human Rights Commission to probe Broos’ remarks.
AND FINALLY
Lionel Messi fever has reached extraordinary heights in India. Fans in Kolkata have unveiled a 21-metre golden statue of the World Cup-winning captain; twelve times his actual size; alongside a life-sized throne installation and a recreation of his Miami home. Messi will unveil the statue virtually due to security concerns.
That is your News Byte for 12 December 2025. For developments on these and more, keep an eye on enca.com and DStv channel 403.
Catch up on all News Bite episodes here: https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast