It’s a busy day on the news front and you probably missed a few stories while juggling work or school. Below we break down the most talked‑about events that landed on October 2, 2025, so you can stay in the loop without scrolling through endless feeds.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) just released the payment calendar for the SRD R370 grant and all regular social grants for October. The dates are set for the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th. Alongside the schedule, SASSA is making biometric enrolment mandatory for every new applicant. The move aims to cut down fraud and speed up verification. If you or someone you know is waiting for a grant, mark those dates and get ready to book a biometric appointment.
South African rugby fans have a lot to chew on as the United Rugby Championship 2025‑26 season kicks off. The Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers all face fresh coaching staff and injury concerns. Handré Pollard is back for the Bulls, while the Stormers will host Leinster without a few key players. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City’s Gaza‑solidarity projects, sparking a broader conversation about football’s role in humanitarian efforts.
In football, Mohamed Salah opened up about past tension with former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, insisting the friction never affected their on‑pitch chemistry. Over in South America, Palmeiras locked in a quarter‑final spot in the Copa Libertadores after a goalless draw that kept their aggregate lead intact.
Across the Atlantic, the NBA playoffs are heating up. The Knicks pulled off a dramatic win over the Pacers in Game 3 thanks to a late surge from Karl‑Anthony Towns. The victory puts New York ahead in the series and puts the pressure on Indiana to finish strong.
On the tech front, Xiaomi is directly challenging Apple’s iPhone line‑up. The new Xiaomi 15 offers faster 100W charging, stronger benchmarks and a price tag about 30% lower than the iPhone 16. Analysts see this as a bold move in the China‑US tech rivalry, focusing on value over ecosystem lock‑in.
Energy news comes from Nigeria, where the Central Bank cut its policy rate by 50 basis points. The reduction is expected to make credit cheaper for small businesses and households, though the real impact will depend on how banks adjust their lending practices.
In the energy sector, NESGAS broke ground on a $200 million LPG depot in Onne, Rivers State. Backed by Minister Ekpo, the project will store 50,000 tonnes of LPG, aiming to lower prices and curb deforestation caused by illegal wood fuel use.
Looking ahead, keep an eye on the upcoming URC fixtures, the next batch of SASSA biometric enrolments, and the unfolding story of Xiaomi’s market push. If you’re following the political scene, President Ramaphosa’s consultations on the Deputy Chief Justice appointment could shape the judiciary for years.
We’ll update this page as more stories develop, so bookmark it and check back for fresh details. Staying informed doesn’t have to be a chore – a quick glance at our October 2 roundup gives you the essentials without the fluff.
3 Oct
Nigeria's Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun extends the tinted‑glass permit deadline to Oct 2, 2025, giving motorists extra time to apply and boosting security checks nationwide.