ZAOwnership & classification
Founded: 1998
Ownership
News24 is owned by Media24, the print and digital media division of Naspers, one of South Africa's largest media and technology groups. Media24 was carved out as a distinct company around 2000 from Naspers's earlier publishing arm (originally Die Nasionale Pers, founded 1915). Naspers is a publicly listed company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with founder-era influence from executives such as former CEO Koos Bekker; News24 itself was launched in October 1998 as Naspers's flagship internet news venture. It is led editorially by editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson.
Funding
News24 runs a hybrid commercial model: breaking news is free and ad-supported, while investigative reporting, opinion and analysis sit behind a paid subscription paywall launched in August 2020 (reporting over 110,000 subscribers by mid-2025). Revenue therefore comes from advertising and reader subscriptions rather than any state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
News24 has no formal party or government ties; it is a privately/commercially owned outlet within the JSE-listed Naspers/Media24 group and is widely rated South Africa's most trusted news brand (Reuters Institute, 2018-2025), even running a fact-checking 'Disinformation Desk.' Its editorial stance is broadly mainstream and centrist. Because it is owned by a listed commercial company free of party, state, church or oligarchic control, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 259
73/100
Factual
69/100
Objective
450
Articles
450
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Business Unity South Africa calls for urgent reform of the Unemployment Insurance Fund
GAMEDAY | Bafana chase World Cup miracle in historic knockout clash against Canada
PANTOMIME VILLAIN: Public enemy No 1 Henry Pollock backs up his antics with performances
GROUNDUP: Thousands of immigrants stuck in Musina with little food, water or shelter
30 JUNE DEADLINE: Hundreds moved from Zimbabwean consulate in Cape Town to Epping repatriation centre
DA cabinet reshuffled: Ramaphosa axes three deputy ministers, moves Steenhuisen to new department
MADLANGA COMMISSION: Witness links ex-deputy minister Kebby Maphatsoe to R286m cocaine bust
Parklands protest unfolds peacefully amid SA migration tensions
WATCH: Fleeing violence: Malawians share their stories as they await transport home
Recent coverage
MADLANGA COMMISSION: Feroz Khan — Centrifugal force in SAPS tender dealings with tobacco bosses, inquiry hears
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is examining the alleged connections between Major-General Feroz Khan, a high-ranking South African Police Service (SAPS) official, and business figures including Carnilinx Tobacco Company founder Mohammed 'Mo' Sayed and director Adriano Mazzotti. Khan, who was illegally appointed as acting national head of Crime Intelligence, is currently hospitalized and unable to testify. Evidence presented includes communications from confiscated iPhones, revealing ties to procurement deals involving PPE and other tenders, as well as links to former President Jacob Zuma's political circle. Mazzotti, who has supported Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, attempted to block the commission from considering past legal issues involving his company. The inquiry also explores potential collusion between Khan and Malema to undermine former Inspector-General of Intelligence Dr Selumanthuro Dintwe.
Kolisi: South Africans can learn from the boks
South African rugby player Siya Kolisi emphasized the importance of unity and community spirit during a recent Springboks match against England. Despite initial concerns over low ticket sales for the game at Ellis Park, SA Rugby reduced prices and expects high attendance. Kolisi highlighted how fans supported the team despite economic challenges, noting the collective efforts of communities to enable participation. He drew parallels between the team's diverse cultural background and the need for national cohesion in South Africa, suggesting that the lessons learned by the Springboks—such as embracing different cultures—could benefit society. Kolisi expressed hope that the sense of togetherness seen during sporting events could become a lasting feature of South African life.
FLIPPING THE BIRD: Ntshavheni says SA diplomat will face action for ‘hobnobbing’ with Zuma and Ajay Gupta
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni condemned South African High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal for attending an event with former President Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta, a figure implicated in state capture scandals. Photos from the event, held at a temple in India, showed the trio together, prompting an investigation by Minister Ronald Lamola. Ntshavheni criticized Sooklal for undermining South Africa's legal system and failing to uphold the country's interests. While the National Prosecuting Authority confirms no warrants exist against Gupta, the Guptas have evaded extradition efforts. Ntshavheni also criticized Zuma for continuing to engage with controversial figures despite past misconduct.
RUGBY: England scalp is on the Springboks’ to-do list
The article discusses the evolving strategy of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, under head coach Rassie Erasmus. Previously focused on major tournaments like the Rugby World Cup, the team has shifted its attention in 2024 and 2025 toward securing consecutive Rugby Championship titles and maintaining a high win percentage. This shift reflects growing expectations among South African fans. While Erasmus emphasizes long-term goals such as the 2027 World Cup and the Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand, he has downplayed the significance of the inaugural Nations Championship. However, the team still views upcoming matches, particularly against England, Scotland, and Wales, as critical to their success. The Nations Championship introduces new competition dynamics, with teams competing for log points alongside results.
Forty killed as bus falls into ditch in Pakistan's Balochistan
A bus operating a private intercity service fell into a ditch in Pakistan's Balochistan province, resulting in 40 fatalities and 8 injuries. The incident occurred while the bus was traveling from Quetta to Islamabad. The injured were treated at a government hospital in Zhob city, approximately 75 kilometers away from the crash site. Local authorities, including the Sherani Deputy Commissioner, confirmed the deaths and the transfer of victims to the hospital. Separately, a truck carrying Afghan refugees overturned in neighboring Afghanistan, killing four and leaving 10 missing.
ANC eyes Cape Town as Mbalula predicts weaker DA showing in local elections
The article reports that the African National Congress (ANC), led by its national leader Zwelithini Mbalula, is focusing attention on Cape Town ahead of upcoming local elections. Mbalula suggests that the Democratic Alliance (DA) may perform poorly in these elections, indicating a potential shift in political power. The piece highlights the ANC's strategic interest in urban areas like Cape Town, which could influence the election outcomes. However, the article does not provide detailed data or specific polling information to support Mbalula's prediction.
Importer Hudaco laments the state of Cape Town port, but hikes dividend
Hudaco, an importer based in South Africa, has expressed concerns over the inefficiencies and challenges faced by the Cape Town port. Despite these issues, the company has decided to increase its dividend payments to shareholders. This decision highlights a contrast between the operational difficulties at the port and the financial performance of Hudaco. The company's move could indicate confidence in its business despite the broader logistical challenges in the region.
Fashion Friday | Style stars take over in tailoring, statement coats and streetwear
The article discusses current trends in fashion, focusing on tailoring, statement coats, and streetwear. It highlights how style icons are influencing these areas, suggesting a shift in fashion preferences among consumers. The piece appears to be a general overview of emerging styles without delving into specific brands or designers. No particular event or controversy is mentioned, indicating a focus on aesthetic trends rather than any political or social issue.
Grade 8 cricket prodigy eyes World Cup dream after U19 tour call-up
A Grade 8 student who has shown exceptional talent in cricket has been called up for a U19 tour, raising hopes of future success at the international level. The young player's rapid rise in the sport has sparked discussions about early specialization in youth sports and the support systems needed for such athletes. While there is optimism about his potential, concerns remain about the balance between academic education and athletic development during this critical stage of growth. The call-up highlights the growing recognition of young talent in South African cricket and the opportunities available to aspiring players.
Five arrested for business burglaries in Hammersdale
Five individuals were arrested in Hammersdale after allegedly committing business burglaries at container tuck shops along Embuthweni Main Road in the Woody Glen area of Mpumalanga. Police arrived at the scene and found one suspect inside a tuck shop, who was immediately taken into custody. The other four suspects were apprehended while trying to escape. The suspects, aged between 14 and 27, are expected to face charges related to burglary and property damage. In addition, KwaZulu-Natal police issued a warning to residents planning to participate in upcoming marches, urging them to avoid violence, intimidation, and criminal behavior. Authorities emphasized their commitment to maintaining a strong policing presence during lawful protests but cautioned that any unlawful activities would result in enforcement actions.
ANALYSIS: DA divisions: If he wanted loyalty, why didn’t Steenhuisen just get a dog?
John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA), accused former DA leader Tony Leon's public relations firm, Resolve Communications, of lobbying the DA's Communications Minister, Solly Malatsi, regarding the Starlink broadband service. These allegations were made during an interview with News 24 and have sparked strong denials from Leon and the firm, which insists it operates ethically and lawfully. The controversy has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially given Leon's past involvement in critical political negotiations, including those with the African National Congress (ANC). Critics argue that the situation could harm the DA's reputation, particularly as opposition parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and others have already voiced opposition to Starlink. The issue also brings up broader debates around ethical governance, business influence in politics, and the contentious topic of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in South Africa.
Meet Penny: Pick n Pay’s AI assistant that shops in isiZulu, Afrikaans and Italian
Pick n Pay, a major South African retailer, has introduced Penny, an AI-powered shopping assistant designed to assist customers in multiple languages including isiZulu, Afrikaans, and Italian. This development highlights the company's efforts to enhance customer experience through multilingual support, catering to diverse communities within South Africa. The AI assistant aims to streamline the shopping process by providing assistance with product searches, recommendations, and other retail-related queries. The introduction of Penny reflects broader trends in adopting artificial intelligence in customer service across various industries.
JSE missed global rally, but fund managers see opportunity
The Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) underperformed compared to global market trends during a recent rally, according to a report by News24. Despite this, some fund managers believe there could still be investment opportunities within South Africa's financial sector. The article highlights the disparity between local and international market performance, suggesting potential for growth despite current challenges. It does not provide specific data or quotes from fund managers, focusing instead on the broader market context.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
TURNING POINT: Tuesday, 30 June 2026 — the day the SA state ceded power to rabble-rousers
Skydiving plane crash kills 11 in France
Bafana Bafana caught in geopolitical crossfire as continental fans turn on South Africa
