Stay informed in just a few minutes with News Byte, your fast, reliable update on South Africa’s top stories.
In today’s episode, illegal mining in the North West has been thrust into the spotlight as residents of Bapong say they are living in fear. Authorities have moved into the area amid reports of a fully fledged chrome mining operation allegedly run by zama zamas. This follows the arrest of three foreign nationals found with raw gold worth an estimated 800-thousand rand on the N12 near Delmas. NATJOINTS and the SANDF are now monitoring the situation as police continue investigations.
South Africa has also condemned a deadly attack in Australia after eleven people were killed when gunmen opened fire on a crowd at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah gathering. Twenty-nine others, including two police officers, were wounded. Australian authorities say an explosive device was found in a vehicle linked to the attackers, while a civilian who disarmed one of the shooters has been hailed a hero.
Meanwhile, the Department of Higher Education has issued de-registration notices to City Varsity, Damelin and ICESA, warning students not to make any payments. Minister Buti Manamela says the institutions failed to comply with reporting and financial requirements, though the qualifications of past graduates remain valid.
Safety concerns are also mounting on the Cape Flats as Kensington residents march against gang violence following the killing of 14-year-old Alnika Mitchell. In KwaZulu-Natal, Premier Thami Ntuli faces a knife-edge vote of no confidence, with coalition dynamics under intense pressure.
We’re also keeping an eye on:
• Three people were struck and killed by lightning during a church service in Limpopo.
• US police are probing the apparent homicide of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle in Los Angeles.
SPORTS
Proteas captain Aiden Markram admits South Africa’s batters failed to give their bowlers enough to defend after India cruised to a 117-run chase in the third T20. The result gives India a 2–1 lead in the five-match series.
AND FINALLY
The long-awaited animated sequel Zootopia 2 is on track to cross the one-billion-dollar mark at the global box office, offering a major boost to cinemas still recovering from pandemic-era losses.
That is your News Bite for 15 December 2025. For developments on these and more, keep an eye on enca.com and watch us on DStv channel 403.