News Bulletin of 27 December 2025, 7am

Pretoria has been confirmed as the host city for a P2-status tournament on the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour, marking the first time a professional circuit of this magnitude will be hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Padel has grown rampantly across the country, boasting over 410,000 amateur players and a network of 1,400 courts.

The tournament is scheduled for the 26th of July to the 2nd of August 2026, with a prize pool of approximately R5.3 million.

A preliminary analysis from the eThekwini Municipality shows about R1.8 billion in direct visitor spending so far this festive season.
Since the start of December, the coastal city has welcomed approximately 500,000 visitors to its shores.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba says 22 of the city’s 23 beaches are open, with hotel occupancy at 72%.

Xaba added that the municipality expects further economic gains as the festive season continues.

The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, welcomed 6 newborn babies at the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Ekurhuleni on Christmas day.

Nkomo-Ralehoko visited the hospital on Thursday morning, commending the maternity ward staff for ensuring safe and successful deliveries.


Ralehoko and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza presented the new mothers with starter packages containing baby bathtubs, towels, feeding supplies, and other essential items as part of spreading the festive spirit.