Stay informed in just a few minutes with News Byte, your fast, reliable update on South Africa’s top stories.
In today’s episode, South Africa is reeling from the murder of Madlanga Commission witness Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is expected to visit the family home as investigators probe whether the killing is linked to the explosive testimony he delivered before the Commission. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has condemned the assassination, warning once again that corruption kills and that whistle-blowers continue to pay the ultimate price.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the ANC’s National General Council for the first time in a decade, urged the party to confront its own failures with honesty. He said corruption and weak implementation have eroded public trust and that the gathering in Boksburg must mark a turning point. Analyst Dr Mpumelelo Mkhabela says the ANC is good at diagnosing its problems; the question is what it does next.
Meanwhile, the Border Management Authority is preparing for one of its busiest festive seasons. With high traffic expected at the Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe crossings, Commissioner Michael Masiapato says teams are tightening controls and increasing capacity to manage the surge.
Five suspects accused of recruiting South Africans to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine are back in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court for bail. One of them is an SABC broadcaster. Police say the group was arrested after a tip-off at OR Tambo International Airport.
Internationally, Russia has welcomed the United States’ new National Security Strategy, which takes a softer stance towards Moscow and signals alignment with far-right European parties. US President Donald Trump has used the moment to again criticise Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while European leaders push back, insisting Washington cannot dictate Europe’s political direction. Zelenskyy is in London today for high-level talks with the leaders of the UK, France and Germany.
We are also keeping an eye on:
• A deadly shooting inside a Tzaneen police station where one officer killed a colleague before taking his own life.
• The R2.2 billion payout process for affected Ithala Bank depositors, with FNB administering compensation from today.
SPORTS
Max Verstappen reflects on narrowly losing the F1 world title to Lando Norris despite winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while Norris says he is proud to have clinched his first championship on his own terms. The Blitzboks are celebrating after defending their Cape Town Sevens crown, with debutant Nabo Sokoyi savouring a dream weekend. And Proteas wicketkeeper-opener Faye Tunnicliffe sets her sights on the next T20 World Cup after scoring her maiden half-century in a dominant series win over Ireland.
AND FINALLY
Instagram is buzzing after pop star Katy Perry went public with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Perry’s post, seen by more than 200 million followers, has officially made the pair one of the internet’s most unexpected new couples.
That is your News Byte for 8 December 2025. For updates on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch us on DStv Channel 403.