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Gossip blogger Musa Khawula’s formal bail application has been postponed to 29 January by the Randburg Magistrates Court, The South African reports. Arrested in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Khawula faces charges of crimen injuria and contempt of court for allegedly posting defamatory statements targeting businessman Zesimdumise Nxumalo in October 2024. The state initially opposed bail due to Khawula’s pending cases of murder and reckless driving. Despite this, the defence requested more time to prepare a comprehensive bail statement. Khawula remains in custody.

According to The South African, Elon Musk sparked controversy at an event celebrating Donald Trump’s inauguration by making a gesture some interpreted as a Nazi salute. Historians like Claire Aubin and Ruth Ben-Ghiat viewed it as a clear reference to Nazism, while others, including the Anti-Defamation League, dismissed it as an awkward moment of enthusiasm. Far-right figures praised the gesture, intensifying criticism from Democratic leaders. Musk has not directly addressed the incident, though some defended his actions, noting his Asperger’s diagnosis and tendency for social awkwardness. The debate continues to polarize opinions online.

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According to News24, a 21-year-old man linked to the 2024 matric results leak was arrested by the Hawks for possessing an unlicensed shotgun during a raid at his Hillcrest home, where electronic devices were also seized. The investigation continues amid allegations that Edumarks, a company accused of selling results to students for R99.90, enabled early access using exam details. Social media discussions erupted over the breach, prompting Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to reassure the public that the integrity of the results remains unaffected, as the backend data capturing and calculations were not compromised.

As a potential TikTok ban looms in the U.S., young Americans are turning to Xiaohongshu (also known as “RedNote”), a Chinese social media platform, for a similar experience, News24 reports. The app has surged to the top of U.S. app store charts, followed by Lemon8, another Chinese app owned by ByteDance. Known as “China’s Instagram,” Xiaohongshu has a female-heavy user base and focuses on shopping and live-stream e-commerce. While Chinese users have largely welcomed the influx of Americans, they remind them to follow strict platform rules, including avoiding sensitive topics like politics and adhering to China’s content guidelines. Experts believe the cultural and monetization differences, such as Xiaohongshu’s shopping-centric model, may make it difficult for TikTok creators to fully transition. The trend underscores the growing competition from Chinese tech platforms and highlights the stagnation of U.S. apps in attracting younger users.

A traditional South African Christmas often begins with a church service, where families come together to reflect on the season’s spiritual meaning. Afterward, many head home or to a chosen venue for a feast. The Christmas meal might include roast meats, baked desserts, and mince pies, but a popular twist is the braai—a quintessential South African barbecue featuring everything from boerewors to grilled seafood.

Decorations add to the festive spirit, with homes adorned with twinkling fairy lights, Christmas trees, and vibrant colors. In coastal towns, it’s not unusual to see people spending Christmas Day on the beach, enjoying picnics or dips in the ocean. The community often plays a big role, with neighbors exchanging gifts or children going caroling around their neighborhoods.

Another cherished tradition is sharing with those less fortunate. Many South Africans participate in charity drives or deliver food parcels to spread the joy of the season.

However, you choose to celebrate, Christmas in South Africa brings people together in a uniquely vibrant and heartwarming way.

According to IOL, Makhadzi made history by hosting her first South African one-woman show at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, drawing thousands of fans. While some, like a VVIP attendee, faced disappointing experiences due to unmet ticket promises, they expressed unwavering support for the artist. Makhadzi demonstrated incredible dedication, staying backstage until dawn to ensure the event’s success. From selling CDs on the streets to performing international shows, her journey reflects sheer ambition and growth. Fellow artists, including DJ Tira, Sho Madjozi, and Cassper Nyovest, celebrated her achievement as a milestone in her career. Grateful for the support, Makhadzi thanked everyone for making her dream a reality.

Ntobeko Cele, a 25-year-old woman, was tragically stabbed to death by her partner, Sbusiso Ntaka, who later posted a video of her body online before taking his own life, Times Live reports. Ntaka accused Cele of infidelity and claimed he was not the father of her child in his video. The family of Ntobeko has expressed their anguish, accusing Ntaka’s family of spreading falsehoods and denying Ntobeko’s alleged faults.

Ntaka, described as psychotic and a heavy drinker, had a history of abusive behavior, including running over Ntobeko with his vehicle in May. Despite this, the couple reconciled. Ntobeko’s family regrets not pressing charges earlier, noting her concern for their child and Ntaka’s government job.

Ntaka was found dead by suicide in a nearby area shortly after the murder. Police are investigating the case, while Women for Change has condemned the graphic video’s circulation online, urging the public not to share it and to report such content. Both families are devastated, and funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law, marking a significant milestone for South Africa’s energy transition, IOL reports. The Act aims to create a more competitive electricity market by enabling the wholesale and retail buying and selling of electricity. It also introduces market operation as a licensable activity under the oversight of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The Act differentiates between regulator-approved tariffs and those determined by direct supply agreements or market competition, ensuring a level playing field for all generators and customers. However, two sections—defining “reticulation” and “distribution power systems”—have been excluded from immediate implementation, with a future date to be determined.

This legislation is expected to foster competition between Eskom and independent power producers, with provisions to promote renewable energy and ensure non-discriminatory practices in electricity dispatching and system balancing. The Act will come into effect on January 1, 2025, while the definitions for the delayed sections will be announced later via government proclamation.

Minister Gayton McKenzie has vowed to give away free tickets to Chris Brown’s controversial concerts in Johannesburg, despite protests from the NGO Women For Change, who petitioned to revoke the singer’s visa due to his history of domestic violence. According to The South African, McKenzie defended the concerts, calling them a source of “fun,” while Women For Change criticized his actions as “unacceptable.” Despite the petition, the Department of Home Affairs ignored calls to cancel Brown’s visa. McKenzie encouraged South Africans to support international acts like Chris Brown, citing public demand, and continued to promote the concerts.

According to IOL, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act, passed in 2023, has sparked debate over Sections 4 and 5, which shift control of school admissions and language policies from governing bodies to provincial departments. Aimed at addressing inequality, these changes could reduce Afrikaans schools’ grip on mother-tongue education while promoting inclusivity. President Ramaphosa delayed implementing these clauses to allow further discussions, with a deadline set for December 13.

Reactions are divided. Activist Hendrick Makaneta supports the clauses for fostering diversity, while Sadtu criticizes the delay as politically motivated and threatens legal action if they are not enacted. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance opposes the changes. Ramaphosa must now decide whether to approve, revise, or further delay the contentious provisions.