December 24, 2025 – South Africa Headlines

Story gist: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expanded the Special Investigating Unit’s probe into South African Airways to cover more than two decades. The investigation now includes currency dealings and kickbacks.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets provided no coverage, leaving those perspectives absent. Center outlet Business Day frames the story neutrally as Ramaphosa broadening the SIU investigation of SAA, emphasizing the presidential action and expanded timeline without opinion, tone shifts, or omissions of key facts.

Story gist: Ten Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit members accused of murder and assault were denied bail.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets provided no coverage, omitting any framing on police accountability. Center outlet News24 reports the bail denial factually, using neutral language matching the headline without emphasis on context or implications. Right-leaning outlets absent, leaving no perspective defending law enforcement or highlighting crime-fighting efforts. Coverage limited to center, focusing solely on court outcome.

Story gist: South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) obtained a preservation order to freeze a residential property linked to the late Presley Chweneyagae and his wife.

Bias summary: Center outlets like EWN frame the story neutrally, mirroring the factual title without added emphasis. No left-leaning coverage, omitting potential angles on government anti-corruption efforts. No right-leaning coverage, absent perspectives critiquing state intervention or property rights implications. Coverage limited to center, suggesting low partisan interest.

Story gist: South African youths recruited by Russians to fight in Ukraine are trapped, with recruiters demanding money for their release. South Africa is holding talks with Russia on the issue.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like The Guardian emphasize men being ‘tricked’ into fighting and highlight South Africa’s diplomatic talks with Russia. Center outlets like News24 use dramatic phrasing such as ‘sold into combat’ and ‘trapped youths’ to stress recruiters’ extortion. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting potential focus on recruitment details or geopolitical context.

Story gist: Severe weather in South Africa caused five deaths. Relief operations started across the country; search continues for man swept away by heavy rains in Amanzimtoti.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Daily Maverick frames story nationally with death toll emphasis and positive relief operations tone. Center EWN focuses narrowly on local search for missing man, omitting broader death count. No right-leaning coverage, absenting potential emphasis on government response or economic impacts.