Kroonstad News Hub

MultiChoice to shut down Showmax by April 2026 amid R4.9bn losses

Tue, 21 Apr 26 15:36:47 +0000

MultiChoice will shut down Showmax on April 30, 2026, migrating content to DStv Stream following R4.9bn in losses and pressure from global streaming giants.

OpenText and S3NS Partner with Google Cloud for European Sovereign Cloud

Tue, 14 Apr 26 15:30:48 +0000

OpenText, S3NS, and Google Cloud launch a hybrid sovereign cloud in France to provide secure, compliant data management for highly regulated European industries.

Nigerian Minister Chibuzor Chinyere Granted Diplomatic Status

Tue, 31 Mar 26 15:50:11 +0000

Nigerian philanthropist Dr. Chibuzor Chinyere receives diplomatic status and Red Passport from Global Diplomatic Peace for humanitarian work spanning education and healthcare.

Morocco Crowned AFCON Champions After CAF Strips Senegal of Title

Thu, 26 Mar 26 07:56:29 +0000

CAF Awards Morocco AFCON 2025 Title After Stripping Senegal Following Pitch Protest And Appeals Board Ruling On Article 82 Violation Dispute

Arsenal Women Edge Chelsea 3-1 in UCL Quarter-Final Thriller

Thu, 26 Mar 26 03:18:21 +0000

Arsenal Women defeated Chelsea Women 3-1 at Emirates Stadium in the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg. The result gives the Gunners a commanding lead ahead of the second leg.

OpenAI Shuts Down Sora App After Failed Disney Partnership

Wed, 25 Mar 26 23:24:21 +0000

OpenAI shuts down Sora app after failed $1B Disney deal and deepfake controversies. User decline and resource costs drove the strategic pivot toward robotics research.

Canada Marks Fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with 340 Events and First PM Address

Tue, 16 Dec 25 15:39:22 +0000

Canada marks the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2025, with 340 federally funded events and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first address. The day honors residential school survivors and continues the Orange Shirt Day movement.

Premier League Giants Enter Emirates FA Cup 2025-26 Third Round as Crystal Palace Defend Title

Tue, 09 Dec 25 15:41:10 +0000

Premier League giants join Crystal Palace in the Emirates FA Cup 2025-26 third round, with fixtures set for January 9-12. Wembley Stadium hosts the final on May 16, 2026, as underdogs chase history and millions in prize money.

Guterres Calls to End AIDS Epidemic Once and For All on World AIDS Day 2025

Tue, 02 Dec 25 15:52:49 +0000

On World AIDS Day 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged global action to end the AIDS epidemic, highlighting progress and persistent gaps in HIV treatment access, as UN agencies and South Africa joined the call.

New 'Boston rain frog' discovered in South Africa, reshaping conservation for endangered sibling species

Tue, 25 Nov 25 15:34:27 +0000

A new rain frog species, Breviceps batrachophiliorum, discovered in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has corrected a long-standing misidentification, pushing Bilbo’s rain frog to Critically Endangered status and reshaping conservation efforts.

DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia Fight for Final 2 World Cup Spots in March 2026 Play-Offs

Sat, 22 Nov 25 16:07:54 +0000

DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia battle in March 2026 play-offs in Mexico for the final two spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic moment for global football inclusion.

Orlando Pirates launch new supporters branch in South Johannesburg

Tue, 18 Nov 25 18:02:15 +0000

Orlando Pirates opened a new supporters branch in South Johannesburg on November 18, 2025, deepening community ties during a pivotal season after a 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United. The move reinforces their legacy as South Africa’s most decorated club.

Best Buy’s 2025 Black Friday Deals Drop Early: Mac mini, Samsung Tab, and OLED Monitors Slash Prices

Sat, 15 Nov 25 18:00:32 +0000

Best Buy's 2025 Black Friday deals are live early, with massive savings on Apple Mac mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, and LG OLED monitors—up to 57% off—before the official November 28 sale. Millions across North America are rushing to grab tech discounts.

High Court Halts Kenya Police Recruitment Amid Legal Challenge

Tue, 11 Nov 25 17:35:57 +0000

The High Court of Kenya suspended the National Police Service's recruitment of 10,000 officers just days before it was set to begin, following a legal challenge by Karanja Matindi over procedural flaws and transparency concerns.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Champions League Showdown on November 4, 2025

Tue, 04 Nov 25 18:15:01 +0000

Liverpool and Real Madrid meet in a Champions League showdown at Anfield on November 4, 2025, with surprise lineups, tactical shifts, and young stars on display. Who wins could redefine both clubs' futures.

Victor Torp's Brace Powers Coventry City Past Watford in Thriller

Sat, 25 Oct 25 18:37:41 +0000

Victor Torp's double lifts Coventry City past Watford 2‑1 at the Coventry Building Society Arena, tightening the Sky Blues' playoff push in the Championship.

Botafogo vs Vasco: Rio Derby Returns Nov 5 at Nilton Santos

Tue, 21 Oct 25 15:33:02 +0000

Botafogo and Vasco da Gama clash in a Rio derby on Nov 5, 2025 at Nilton Santos, with league positions and star players on the line.

Cheong A Chemical eyes Paraguay fertilizer plant, $150 M Bank aid

Tue, 14 Oct 25 22:50:03 +0000

Cheong A Chemical's delegation met Paraguayan officials on Aug 4, 2025, to discuss a green fertilizer plant in Alto Paraná, backed by $150 M World Bank aid and local tax incentives.

Angola Stuns Cameroon 1‑0 to Exit CHAN 2018 Group Stage

Mon, 13 Oct 25 21:34:53 +0000

Angola's penalty win eliminates Cameroon from CHAN 2018, sending Angola to the top of Group D while Cameroon faces early exit after two losses.

MultiChoice plots $1.2 M DStv overhaul to win back lost African viewers

Sun, 12 Oct 25 20:30:54 +0000

MultiChoice Group plans a major DStv revamp after losing 1.2 M subscribers, with CEO Byron du Plessis eyeing new packages and possible SuperSport unbundling to win back South African viewers.

England Women Favored Over Sri Lanka at Colombo Showdown in WC 2025

Sun, 12 Oct 25 00:41:51 +0000

England Women, led by Nat Sciver‑Brunt, face Sri Lanka Women at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium on Oct 11, 2025. Stats favor England, but an upset could reshape the WC race.

Nutrition & Mental Health: Data Spurs Crisis‑Setting Action

Fri, 10 Oct 25 20:26:23 +0000

New research links nutrition to mental health, urging integrated food‑security actions in crisis zones. Experts outline seven actionable steps.

Kenya Mandates 2,000 Fruit Trees per Primary School on Mazingira Day

Fri, 10 Oct 25 01:41:32 +0000

Kenya orders each primary school to plant 2,000 fruit trees on Mazingira Day, aiming for 71 million seedlings to boost reforestation, nutrition, and green jobs.

Egypt Leads Group A as DR Congo Tops Group B in World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers

Wed, 08 Oct 25 21:30:00 +0000

Egypt tops Group A while DR Congo leads Group B as the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup heat up, shaping the race for nine direct spots.

Gengetone Star Shalkido Dies After Thika Road Bike Crash

Tue, 07 Oct 25 18:09:28 +0000

Kenyan Gengetone star Shalkido dies at 28 after a Thika Road crash, prompting tributes from the music community and raising questions about his posthumous releases.

Blizzard Traps 200 Hikers on Everest; 350 Rescued During China Holiday

Tue, 07 Oct 25 02:09:55 +0000

A sudden October blizzard trapped 200 hikers on Mount Everest while rescuers saved 350, amid floods and landslides that killed 60 across the Himalayas.

Whale Strike Kills Cape Town Kitesurfer Graham Howes, Autopsies Confirm

Tue, 07 Oct 25 01:42:43 +0000

Cape Town kitesurfer Graham Howes died instantly in a whale strike on Sep 7, 2025; autopsies confirm the cause, ending weeks of speculation.

Jets lock top spot for 2026 NFL Draft as quarterback race heats up

Tue, 07 Oct 25 01:31:30 +0000

After an 0-5 start, the New York Jets secure the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts debate quarterback prospects from Dante Moore to LaNorris Sellers.

Warri Court freezes police enforcement of tinted‑glass permits

Sun, 05 Oct 25 22:18:03 +0000

Warri court orders police to halt tinted‑glass permit enforcement, sparking legal battles and uncertainty for millions of Nigerian motorists.

Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome warns Nigeria veering toward one‑party state

Sun, 05 Oct 25 18:34:31 +0000

Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome warns that defections and Tinubu's power grab are steering Nigeria toward a one‑party state, urging citizens to reclaim democratic power before the 2027 election.

NBA sues IGP Kyukun over contested tinted‑glass permit policy

Fri, 03 Oct 25 01:54:48 +0000

The NBA sues IGP Kyukun over Nigeria's new tinted‑glass permit rule, alleging constitutional breaches after police impounded a judge's car during enforcement.

Dumisani Khumalo Reveals ‘Big 5’ Cartels at Madlanga Commission

Tue, 30 Sep 25 18:52:17 +0000

Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo exposed the ‘Big 5’ criminal cartels at the Madlanga Commission, detailing tender fraud at Timbisa Hospital and lethal whistleblower killings.

Jake Osgathorpe backs Will Hughes carded as Liverpool‑Palace draw looms

Mon, 29 Sep 25 20:31:20 +0000

Jake Osgathorpe spotlights a Will Hughes yellow‑card bet and predicts a 1‑1 Liverpool‑Crystal Palace draw, backing his 39% ROI season stats.

Premier League controversy: Liverpool fans alarmed by Hooper‑Coote referee duo in Crystal Palace win

Sun, 28 Sep 25 16:49:30 +0000

Liverpool supporters were uneasy about the appointment of Simon Hooper and VAR David Coote for the clash with Crystal Palace. Their worries seemed justified when a late penalty claim against Virgil van Dijk was dismissed. The 1‑0 win kept Liverpool atop the table under Arne Slot, but the officiating drama dominated headlines. Former referees slammed the VAR decision, calling it "pure garbage".

Bulls Tour Serves as Dress Rehearsal Ahead of URC Knockout Stage

Sat, 27 Sep 25 04:47:01 +0000

The Vodacom Bulls are using their current tour as a trial run for the United Rugby Championship knockout phase. Recent results, including a Grand Final loss to Leinster, highlight the stakes. Coaches see the tour as a chance to fine‑tune tactics and build squad depth before the crunch games.

Girona FC vs Espanyol: How to Grab a Seat at Montilivi

Sat, 27 Sep 25 01:51:20 +0000

Girona FC hosts RCD Espanyol on September 26, 2025, at Estadi Municipal Montilivi. Secondary markets list tickets from €70 up to €143, with some sites showing no stock yet. International buyers see prices start at $174. Fans should compare platforms, watch for price swings, and verify each marketplace before buying.

Betway Premiership Midweek Action: Richards Bay Win, TS Galaxy Bounce Back

Fri, 26 Sep 25 19:56:42 +0000

Midweek fixtures on 24 September 2025 reshaped the Betway Premiership landscape. Richards Bay clinched a second straight win, while TS Galaxy returned to winning ways. Orbit College ended Polokwane City's unbeaten run, and Sekhukhune United missed a chance to chase the leaders. The results highlight how quickly fortunes can change in South Africa's top flight.

Trump’s Autism Claims: Tylenol, MMR Shots and the Lack of Scientific Proof

Fri, 26 Sep 25 10:08:47 +0000

President Trump suggested a link between autism, acetaminophen use in pregnancy and combined MMR vaccines, sparking swift backlash from scientists. Experts say no credible data support the claims and warn the statements could mislead expectant mothers. The White House has yet to issue an official policy despite media pressure.

Madlanga Commission Finds Shadrack Sibiya Overstepped Authority in KZN Political Killing Docket Transfer

Fri, 26 Sep 25 08:02:35 +0000

The Madlanga Commission heard that Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya moved 121 political‑killing case dockets from KwaZulu‑Natal to Pretoria without proper authority. SAPS legal head Major‑General Petronella van Rooyen warned this undermined provincial command. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola described Sibiya’s earlier attempts to control cold‑case and intelligence files as irregular and risky.

Brooks Nader Confirms Romance with Tennis Star Carlos Alcaraz, Says Sister

Thu, 25 Sep 25 23:48:20 +0000

Grace Ann Nader went on record at New York Fashion Week, confirming that her sister Brooks Nader is seeing tennis champion Carlos Alcaraz. The admission ends weeks of speculation that linked Brooks to other players, including Jannik Sinner. The duo were spotted together at several high‑profile matches, sparking a social‑media frenzy. Their playful evasiveness on TV shows adds another layer to the celebrity‑dating saga.

Rivers State emergency ends as Tinubu restores democratic rule

Thu, 25 Sep 25 21:55:40 +0000

President Bola Tinubu lifted the six‑month emergency in Rivers State on 17 September 2025, allowing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state assembly to resume duties. The emergency, triggered by a constitutional standoff and oil‑pipeline sabotage, saw retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas act as sole administrator. Intelligence reports of a new spirit of cooperation convinced Tinubu the state was ready for normal governance. The move was celebrated locally but raised questions about the governor’s future powers. Rivers’ oil output, worth billions, makes the stability of the Niger Delta a national priority.

River Plate Edge Through Penalties to Meet Palmeiras in Libertadores Showdown

Thu, 25 Sep 25 21:47:22 +0000

River Plate survived a nerve‑wracking shoot‑out to book a semi‑final clash with Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores. After a 2-2 aggregate deadlock, the Argentine side held their nerve in the decisive kicks. The win revives their continental hopes while Palmeiras eye another title. Fans brace for a high‑stakes encounter.

Adelita Grijalva Wins Arizona Special Election, Becomes First Latina from State in Congress

Thu, 25 Sep 25 21:32:14 +0000

Democrat Adelita Grijalva captured 69% of the vote in Arizona's 7th District special election, making history as the state's first Latina elected to Congress. She succeeded her late father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, after a campaign boosted by unions, credit unions and the Working Families Party. The win cuts into the GOP House majority and puts her on a 15‑month term.

SASSA Announces September 2025 Grant Payment Dates

Thu, 25 Sep 25 17:54:30 +0000

The South African Social Security Agency has released the September 2025 grant payment timetable. Old age pensions start on 2 September, disability grants follow on 3 September, and child and other grants are due on 4 September. Beneficiaries are urged to withdraw cash gradually and use their SASSA cards for direct purchases. The staggered rollout aims to ease crowding at payment points and curb theft.

Fluminense Out of 2025 Copa Sul-Americana After 1-1 Draw with Lanús

Wed, 24 Sep 25 15:50:02 +0000

Fluminense's 2025 Copa Sul-Americana campaign ended with a 1-1 draw at the Maracanã, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Argentine side Lanús. A late winner in the first leg gave Lanús the edge, and their disciplined play in Rio sealed the semifinal spot. The result leaves Fluminense reflecting on a missed chance to go further.

Canal+ Gains Conditional Go‑Ahead for R55 bn MultiChoice Takeover

Tue, 23 Sep 25 06:09:43 +0000

On July 23, 2025, Canal+ secured conditional approval to buy South Africa's MultiChoice for R55 billion. Regulators flagged a handful of conditions, though the exact terms remain vague. The deal is poised to reshape Africa’s broadcasting landscape, marking one of the continent’s biggest media mergers. Stakeholders are already speculating on the impact for local content and competition.

Atletico Madrid Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Champions League Showdown with Real Madrid

Sun, 21 Sep 25 20:01:34 +0000

Atletico Madrid risk missing defender Clement Lenglet and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul for the Champions League second‑leg against Real Madrid. Both players picked up knocks in a 2‑1 loss to Getafe, leaving Simeone to reshuffle his squad. The tie is level at 2‑1 after the first leg, and the Spanish giants need a full‑strength side to progress.

F-16, Boeing and F-35 on the table as Trump hosts Erdogan at the White House Sept. 25

Sat, 20 Sep 25 17:30:49 +0000

President Donald Trump will meet Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Sept. 25, aiming to unlock deals on F-16s, Boeing aircraft, and possibly revive F-35 talks. The visit comes after years of strain over Turkey’s S-400 purchase. Ankara says progress could also aid regional stability, even as sharp differences remain over Gaza and Syria.

Noni Madueke earns Gary Neville’s Arjen Robben comparison — and a reminder for Arsenal fans

Tue, 16 Sep 25 15:49:20 +0000

Gary Neville compared Chelsea winger Noni Madueke to Arjen Robben after a standout display against Nottingham Forest, saying the 22-year-old is far better than many—especially Arsenal fans—expected. The Sky Sports pundit called his recent form “a different level,” spotlighting his left-footed, cut-inside threat. The praise lands as Chelsea look for reliable end product from their wide players.

Confidence vote topples French government as Macron hunts for another prime minister

Tue, 09 Sep 25 15:45:33 +0000

France’s government has fallen after a failed confidence vote called by Prime Minister François Bayrou to win support for a debt-fighting program. Left and far-right lawmakers united to oust him, pushing President Emmanuel Macron into another search for a prime minister. Public debt has climbed to 114% of GDP, and Le Pen is urging new elections as political pressure builds.