September 2025 – What You Missed on Daily Focus Bothma Africa
September was a busy month. From a new Australian law that could change how kids use WhatsApp to lightning‑fast goals in the Champions League, the continent saw plenty of action. Below is a quick run‑through of the biggest stories that landed on our site.
Tech, Policy and Social Media Shifts
The headline‑grabbing story came from down under. Australia passed a law that forces platforms like WhatsApp, Twitch and other social apps to block anyone under 16 starting December 2025. Meta said it will comply, but experts warned that age‑verification tools are still unreliable. Public polls show strong support for protecting youngsters, yet many doubt the ban will work in practice. Privacy groups and tech firms have already voiced concerns about how the rule will be enforced.
In the gaming world, Microsoft announced the next Forza Horizon will take players across Japan in 2026, with a first‑ever PlayStation 5 release after the Xbox debut. The move signals a rare cross‑platform partnership and promises a fresh cultural flavor, thanks to consultant Kyoko Yamashita.
Meanwhile, a local cultural event at North‑West University highlighted the push to keep South Africa’s indigenous languages alive. Although the minister pulled out at the last minute, academics and creatives filled the gap, discussing publishing projects that aim to preserve literary heritage.
Sports, Entertainment and Big Personalities
Football fans got a shock when Conor Gallagher scored for Atletico Madrid just 27 seconds into a Champions League clash with Real Madrid – the second‑quickest goal the Spanish giants have ever allowed. The strike set the tone for a fierce derby and reminded everyone that even the biggest clubs can be undone in a blink.
Rugby kicked off its United Rugby Championship season with the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls announcing key line‑ups. Captain Nel led the Stormers, Jaden took the fly‑half reins for the Sharks, and veteran Willie earned a bench spot with the Bulls. Early analysis pointed to tactical tweaks that could shape the early table.
In cricket, wicket‑keeper Quinton de Kock scrapped his ODI retirement to rejoin the South African squad for the upcoming Pakistan tour. His experience adds depth as the Proteas gear up for Tests, T20Is and ODIs later this year.
South African football also had its drama – Barnsley fell 6‑0 to Brighton in a Carabao Cup tie, underscoring the gap between Premier League powerhouses and lower‑league sides. The match aired live on Sky Sports+ and streamed internationally on Paramount+.
Across the continent, the Copa Sudamericana saw Fluminense knocked out by Lanús at the Maracanã. A late equaliser from Dylan Aquino sealed the Brazilian club’s exit, and a brief fan‑police clash added tension to an already heated night.
On the fashion front, the world mourned the loss of Giorgio Armani, the 91‑year‑old designer who redefined quiet luxury. His passing came just weeks before the Armani Group’s 50th anniversary in Milan, prompting plans for a public farewell at the Armani Teatro.
Finally, the tech‑influencer scene faced its own fallout when TikTok user Cyan Boujee was accused of sending a low‑quality wig instead of the promised prize. The incident sparked a wider conversation about giveaway standards and influencer accountability.
All in all, September delivered a mix of policy debates, sports fireworks, cultural milestones and celebrity news. Bookmark this page to revisit the stories that mattered most, and stay tuned for what October brings.
A new Australian law will force platforms like WhatsApp and Twitch to block users under 16 starting December 2025. Meta says it will follow the rule, but experts warn age‑verification tech is unreliable. Polls show strong public backing yet doubts about effectiveness. Privacy groups and the tech industry voice serious concerns about how the ban will work in practice.
Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher netted after just 27 seconds against Real Madrid in the 2024/25 Champions League, marking the second‑quickest goal the Spanish giants have ever allowed. The record still belongs to Bayern’s Roy Makaay, who scored in 10.12 seconds in 2006. Gallagher’s early hit set the tone for a dramatic Madrid derby and underscored how even the most decorated clubs can be undone by lightning‑quick moments.
Voddie Baucham (1969‑2025) was a pastor, author and theological educator whose career spanned the United States, Zambia and a new seminary in Florida. Known for scholarly apologetics and a family‑first ethos, his sudden death leaves a legacy of books, classrooms and a growing network of church leaders.
North-West University hosted a hybrid public lecture on April 3, 2025 to discuss how literature and media can sustain South Africa’s indigenous languages and cultural heritage. The event, organized by ILMA, gathered academics, students, and creatives. Minister Gayton McKenzie was slated to speak but withdrew due to budget talks. A department representative filled in, highlighting key publishing projects. The session aligned with UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
The United Rugby Championship kicks off with three headline clashes on September 26, 2025. The Stormers roll out a side led by captain Nel, the Sharks hand the fly‑half duties to Jaden, and the Bulls name Willie as a bench option. Full team sheets, tactical tweaks and early predictions are examined.
Microsoft unveiled that the next open‑world racer will take players across Japan, with a 2026 release slated for Xbox Series X|S and PC. A post‑launch PlayStation 5 version will mark the series' first appearance on Sony hardware. Cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita promises an authentic Japanese feel. Fans can already add the title to their wishlists.
Osasuna host Elche at Estadio El Sadar on Sept 25, 2025. The hosts sit unbeaten in five league games and have a six‑match home winning run, while the newcomers are riding strong away form. Historical head‑to‑head, betting markets and key player profiles are broken down, plus value bets for punters.
Palmeiras and FC Porto left fans buzzing after a 0‑0 draw at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage in New York. Both keepers pulled off stunning saves, with Porto's Cladio Ramos delivering a triple‑save sequence. The match packed chances from Fabio Vieira, Rodrigo Mora and Picarez, yet the deadlock held. Each side walked away with a crucial point as the tournament heats up.
Fluminense's run in the Copa Sudamericana ended at the Maracanã when Argentine side CA Lanús edged them 2-1 on aggregate. A 1-1 draw on September 23, 2025, saw Agustín Canobbio spark hope before Dylan Aquino's late equaliser sealed the Brazilian club's fate. The match was marred by fan‑police clashes that halted play briefly.
The third‑round Carabao Cup tie between Barnsley and Brighton was shown live on Sky Sports+ at 7:45 pm, with Paramount+ streaming for overseas fans. Brighton ran out 6‑0 winners, highlighting the gap between Premier League and lower‑league sides. CBS Sports Golazo offered extended highlights. The match fed into the competition’s route to a UEFA Conference League spot.
Wicketkeeper‑batter Quinton de Kock has scrapped his ODI retirement to rejoin the Proteas for the upcoming Pakistan tour. The 32‑year‑old brings 6,770 runs and 21 centuries to a side coping with captain Bavuma's injury. Coach Shukri Conrad welcomes the boost, while the itinerary features Tests, T20Is and ODIs across October‑November.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was sentenced to 12 years in prison or a KSh 53.5 million fine over a KSh 588 million road tender scandal. The Anti-Corruption Court found him guilty of conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property. Several co-accused, including his wife and former county officials, were also convicted. A 10-year ban from holding public office applies to all.
