Storms, scams, and soundtracks: Trending topics this week

By Marcus Moloko

South Africa’s festive season has been marked by a mix of celebration and concern, with three major stories dominating headlines this week.

Weather

Heavy rains and storms swept across parts of the country, causing flooding, infrastructure damage, and widespread travel disruptions.

The South African Weather Service issued warnings as communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng faced rising water levels and power outages.

Emergency services have been stretched, with rescue operations underway in affected areas. The storms have highlighted gaps in urban infrastructure and the urgent need for climate resilience planning.

Scams

While families prepare for festive gatherings, December has also become South Africa’s most dangerous month for mobile fraud.

Reports show a 32% year-on-year increase in scam calls and phishing attempts,