Twitter/X Trends in South Africa - Real-Time Analytics & Trending Hashtags

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The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on February 20, 2026, that President Trump's use of the IEEPA for broad tariffs was invalid, potentially allowing importers to seek refunds through the Court of International Trade. Bessent responded that Americans won't see the money directly, as the administration plans to replace the revenue using other trade laws like Sections 232 and 301. Democrats like Senators Warren and Schumer criticized the remarks as refusing to return funds to families, while Trump allies pointed to economic benefits from the tariffs, which generated $195 billion in fiscal 2025.

Key Takeaway

At a Dallas economic forum, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced a direct question about $175 billion in tariff refunds now at risk after a Supreme Court ruling.

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Seven weeks after a U.S. military operation on January 3 captured former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, killing 32 Cubans, interim President Delcy Rodríguez has dismissed Cuban advisers from key roles, turning to Venezuelan bodyguards only. This shift follows U.S. pressure, including blocked oil shipments to Cuba, and aligns with economic reforms like a new oil law granting America oversight of sales, which has funneled $1 billion in revenue. A recent poll shows 72% of Venezuelans feeling optimistic about the country's direction under Rodríguez, though opposition voices question her support and highlight fears of U.S. coercion amid calls for elections.

Key Takeaway

With Maduro in U.S. custody, Venezuela's interim leader ordered Cuban security teams out of her guard and intelligence units—a sharp break from years of close reliance on Havana's elite protection.

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Released February 6, 2026, the EP's title track has held No. 1 for four straight days, with the full tracklist owning spots 1 through 8. The 31-year-old Tema artist thanked producers Sabog, Quantum Flush, and Jimah for helping shape its introspective trap and Afrobeats sound. Fans stream nonstop, quoting lines like 'Nyame dey keep blessings me, the world dey keep testing me' from tracks such as Broken Pieces, marking Kwesi's biggest moment since Grind Day as it charts in 17 countries.

Key Takeaway

Kwesi Arthur poured his soul into Redemption Valley, scrapping two drafts to capture struggles and growth. Now, all eight tracks rule Ghana's Apple Music Top 100.

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The 22-year-old Spanish midfielder will ease in with 15-20 minutes off the bench during Sunday's La Liga match against Levante on February 22. Barcelona's medical team plans a gradual ramp-up: limited action this weekend, about 60 minutes against Villarreal next week, and full matches for the Copa del Rey semifinal versus Atletico Madrid. Fans celebrate the news alongside returns for Marcus Rashford and Gavi's training progress, though they urge caution given Pedri's injury history—his vision and control have been missed amid recent losses.

Key Takeaway

After nearly a month out with a hamstring strain, Pedri is set to step back onto the pitch at Spotify Camp Nou, bringing smiles to Barca fans craving his midfield magic.

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The hip-hop podcaster, a big Drake fan, posted a photo of himself with the limited-time 'Afters Meal'—a McDouble or Junior Chicken, fries or poutine, and blue raspberry Nite Sprite in black-and-gold OVO packaging—that launched in Canada on February 17. Social media buzzed with speculation he flew from the U.S. to snag it, fueled by his Instagram story rating the poutine 10/10 amid wrappers with German slogans. While some mocked the premium price for a basic order and called out his fandom, others enjoyed the hype around the celebrity collab.

Key Takeaway

DJ Akademiks grinned wide next to Drake's new OVO-branded McDonald's combo, sparking endless online ribbing about his trek to Canada.

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Manchester City dominated Fulham 3-0 on Wednesday, with Semenyo starring and Erling Haaland netting a goal that boosted him on City's all-time scoring list, trimming Arsenal's Premier League lead to three points from 56 to 53. Aston Villa edged Brighton 1-0 via a late own goal to stay third on 50 points, while Liverpool's 1-0 win at Sunderland through Virgil van Dijk's header lifted them to 42 points, now two behind Chelsea. Arsenal face Brentford away tonight, a chance to extend their edge to six before City host Newcastle on Saturday; fans feel the title tension, with one City supporter warning 'ARTETA, TROUBLE IS COMING!!!' and Gunners fans urging Mikel Arteta to handle the pressure.

Key Takeaway

Antoine Semenyo lit up the pitch for Manchester City, scoring once and assisting another in their sharp 3-0 win over Fulham. The result ramps up the heat on Arsenal before their key game in hand.

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Manchester City beat Newcastle United 2-1 on Saturday, thanks to young Nico O'Reilly's rocket in the 14th minute and a towering header soon after, despite Lewis Hall's quick equalizer. Newcastle pushed hard in the second half, but Gianluigi Donnarumma held firm amid two big VAR flashpoints: Dan Burn's offside goal after Rúben Dias' legal shove and Bernardo Silva's unpunished shoulder barge on Burn. The win pulls City to 56 points, just two behind Arsenal, while Pep Guardiola hailed the crowd's roar and Eddie Howe questioned the decisions—now under PGMOL review as fans debate consistency.

Key Takeaway

Nico O'Reilly's first-half brace had City cruising, but Newcastle's late onslaught tested every nerve at the Etihad.

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The 28-year-old Frenchman, son of World Cup winner Lilian Thuram, has impressed at Inter Milan with seven goals and five assists this season despite sharing starts with Lautaro Martinez. Barcelona see him as the ideal long-term replacement for the 37-year-old Lewandowski, whose deal ends in 2026 amid a lucrative Chicago Fire offer. Inter value Thuram at €80-85 million, and while no bids are confirmed yet, fans are excited about the potential upgrade over options like Ferran Torres.

Key Takeaway

With Robert Lewandowski's contract winding down, Barcelona are turning to Marcus Thuram—a physical striker who fits Hansi Flick's pressing style perfectly.

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Osasuna upset La Liga leaders Real Madrid 2-1 on Saturday, with Ante Budimir scoring from the spot in the 38th minute, Vinícius Júnior equalizing in the 73rd, and veteran Raúl García clinching it deep in stoppage time. Trent Alexander-Arnold, subbed on at right-back for Madrid, faced heavy online mockery for passively jogging alongside García during the decisive goal, earning a 4/10 rating and memes like 'RB Ward Prowse.' While some blamed teammates Raúl Asencio's lunge and Dani Ceballos' backpass, the viral moment overshadowed Madrid's snapped 18-game unbeaten run as Barcelona closes in two points back.

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Raúl García danced past defenders and rifled in a 90th-minute rocket at El Sadar, handing Real Madrid a shocking defeat—but a clip of Trent Alexander-Arnold jogging beside him stole the online spotlight.

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Samir Sobha, president of the Mauritius Football Association and CAF Executive Committee member, told The Guardian that Senegal's players should have received yellow cards for leaving the field during a crucial VAR penalty, halting play for 15 minutes. Senegal still won 1-0 on Pape Gueye's extra-time goal on January 18 in Rabat, securing their second AFCON title after Édouard Mendy saved the spot kick. Sobha stressed the result stands but called for accountability, while also criticizing CAF's general secretary for an illegal term extension. Sanctions followed, including bans for coaches and captains plus hefty fines, though Morocco rejected theirs.

Key Takeaway

In a candid interview, a top CAF official admitted Morocco's national team was robbed in the Africa Cup of Nations final, pleading for forgiveness over broken rules.

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The 147-pound welterweight boxing division currently has four champions across major sanctioning bodies: Ryan Garcia holding the WBC title, Rolly Romero the WBA title, Devin Haney the WBO title, and Lewis Crocker the IBF title. Discussions on X focus on this fragmentation in the division.

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The 25-year-old academy product has played just 31 minutes across three recent Premier League games, including zero in Sunday's 2-1 comeback win at Liverpool despite Erling Haaland's late penalty sealing victory. Pep Guardiola calls Foden his 'son' and promises a step-by-step return after identifying team issues, but pundits and fans debate his inconsistency in big matches and England's No. 10 pecking order behind players like Bellingham and Palmer. With City second in the table, six points behind Arsenal, these crunch weeks could define Foden's role at club and international level.

Key Takeaway

Phil Foden, Manchester City's homegrown star, has barely seen the pitch since a halftime hook in January's derby loss to United. Four months from the World Cup, fans worry his bench time could derail his England hopes.

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The 23-year-old winger, signed from Chelsea for £48.5 million last summer, faced a fan petition with over 4,000 signatures urging the club to scrap the deal. After modest early returns of two goals in 17 Premier League games, his Champions League form exploded with three goals in four matches, adding pace and threat alongside Bukayo Saka. Fans now hail his fit in Mikel Arteta's system as Arsenal top the Premier League by seven points, though rivals mock bold claims putting him ahead of legends like Riyad Mahrez.

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Noni Madueke slotted home Arsenal's opener against Wigan just 11 minutes in, his third goal in six games capping a stunning turnaround from early fan backlash.

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Valencia sold 21-year-old Spanish center-back Cristhian Mosquera, with over 90 La Liga appearances, to Arsenal for €15 million. The club also transferred 20-year-old Yarek Gasiorowski to PSV Eindhoven for €9 million.

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The knockout stage draw, held Tuesday in Cairo, paired South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns against Mali's Stade Malien, with Sundowns hosting the first leg on March 13-14 before heading to Bamako for the return on March 20-21. Supporters celebrated the 'easy' draw after topping their group and beating MC Alger in playoffs, eyeing a potential semi-final against ES Tunis or 12-time winners Al Ahly. Pundits like Thomas Mlambo urged fans to dream big, as Sundowns chase their first Champions League title after a 2019 semi-final run.

Key Takeaway

Mamelodi Sundowns fans lit up with excitement after landing Stade Malien in the quarter-finals—a matchup that opens a promising path forward.

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North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, dropped her first solo single 'Piercing on My Hand' on February 6, available on Spotify and other platforms. The track and video showcase her edgy style, with lyrics name-dropping Jaded London and Rick Owens while boasting about shopping in Japan and getting banned from school after two days. Previewed on TikTok with her mom and debuted live at her dad's Mexico City show, it follows her features on his Vultures albums. Fans praise her talent and confidence, while critics call it childish, sparking debates over her bold entry into hip-hop.

Key Takeaway

At just 12, North West struts into music with blue hair, spiked bracelets, and a self-produced rap about piercings, skipping school, and haters.

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After a 2-0 FA Cup win over Salford City, Guardiola confirmed Savinho is close to returning from a seven-week quad injury, praising his dazzling dribbling and predicting he'll become an unbelievable winger on both flanks once he sharpens his end product. Jeremy Doku is also nearing a comeback from a calf issue, with new loanee Antoine Semenyo already impressing amid squad rotations. Sitting second in the Premier League, four points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, City face Newcastle next on February 21 as key returns like John Stones and Mateo Kovacic bolster their title charge.

Key Takeaway

Pep Guardiola lit up his post-match presser with glowing words on Savinho, the young Brazilian winger who's just days from boosting City's attack.

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EFF leader Nkululeko Dunga filed a formal complaint against ActionSA councillor Xolani Khumalo in Ekurhuleni for breach of privilege and contempt. The complaint follows Khumalo's court appearance on assault and firearm charges, which Dunga claims threatens the council's integrity.

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In their Group D finale at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Egypt, Chiefs fell 2-1 to Zamalek, with Juan Bezerra and Abdallah El Said scoring before Glody Lilepo's late reply. The defeat dropped Chiefs to third on 10 points behind Zamalek's 11 and Al Masry's 10, ending their continental campaign despite topping the group earlier. Coach Bruce Bvuma's gritty squad couldn't overcome away struggles, mirroring early exits in domestic cups, as fans voiced frustration over the coaching and collapse.

Key Takeaway

Kaizer Chiefs needed just a draw to advance, but Zamalek struck twice in the second half at Ismailia, leaving the South African side stunned and out of the quarterfinals.

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Supporters of Senzo Mchunu, suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 13, 2025, over claims of sabotaging probes into KwaZulu-Natal political assassinations, held a vigil themed 'Truth Will Prevail.' Organizers reported strong turnout despite threats to artists, while Mchunu approved the event but did not attend, describing it as a noble church gesture. Church leaders urged him to pray harder as investigations continue without final findings against him, highlighting South Africa's divided views on his tenure.

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In Mbombela, churchgoers gathered for 12 hours of song and prayer, standing by their leader amid serious accusations. Gospel stars like Babo Ngcobo and Ayanda Ntanzi filled the civic centre with calls for truth.

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Fans of the South African telenovela InimbaMzansi debate the dysfunctional marriage of characters Hlathi and Zoleka. Discussions highlight Hlathi's selfishness, abuse, pressure on Zoleka to have children soon after childbirth, family interference, Hlathi's controlling nature, and Zoleka's anxiety. Viewers mention Thumeka as Hlathi's alternative partner for family expansion and question Zoleka's happiness and compatibility with Hlathi.

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The trio freestyled 'Msunu ka Nota'—roughly 'Nota's pussy'—during Friday's bass-heavy set, turning the stage into a public clapback after Nota criticized Leehleza's lyrics as kid-unfit nonsense on the Piano Pulse podcast. This feud escalated from Nota's jabs at amapiano producers like Leehleza and Maphorisa, with the clip drawing cheers for entertainment and roasts for immaturity. Fans anticipate Nota's sharp response, spotlighting ongoing tensions in South Africa's amapiano scene between heavyweights and outspoken critics.

Key Takeaway

DJ Maphorisa, DJ Leehleza, and Mark Khoza grabbed the mic at a live gig, chanting crude Zulu slang aimed at music exec Nota Baloyi while the crowd went wild.

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