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

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Frank McCormick, a former teacher and constitutional conservative, posted on X early Thursday asking if people enjoy Christmas aesthetics like lights, music, and decorations. Over 50 Jewish respondents largely expressed delight in the holiday's vibe and mood-boosting elements amid winter, noting cultural participation such as eating Chinese food on Christmas or decorating neighbors' trees. Many highlighted the irony that iconic songs like 'White Christmas' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' were written by Jewish composers including Irving Berlin and Johnny Marks. While a minority opts out, the thread with over 4,000 views reflects American pluralism and shared seasonal goodwill transcending faith.

Key Takeaway

A simple question on X about enjoying the Christmas season sparked dozens of positive replies from Jewish users, who praised its twinkling lights, festive music, and communal joy without embracing its religious core.

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On January 18 in Kurmin Wali village, armed bandits abducted 163 to 177 people from two Cherubim and Seraphim churches and one ECWA congregation around 9-10 a.m., with 9 to 11 escaping soon after. Kaduna police first denied the reports but confirmed them after verification, launching operations while noting the captives' location is known but blocked by human shields. Bandits demanded 250 million naira and 20 motorcycles from the village head, accusing locals of stealing bikes; no ransom has been paid. Escaped mother Lovina Ezekiel lost her two-week-old baby in the chaos and fears for her husband and five children still held, as families sleep in the bush amid trauma.

Key Takeaway

Gunmen stormed three churches during Sunday services, herding worshippers into the bush as families watched in horror. Nine days later, more than 160 remain captive.

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Lee Gunner, the Arsenal YouTuber with 134,000 subscribers known for critiquing Mikel Arteta, clashed with troll @supremeAbu over personal failings tied to Islam's teachings. He correctly distinguished the Five Pillars of Islam—acts like prayer and charity—from the Six Pillars of Iman, beliefs in God, angels, books, prophets, Judgment Day, and decree, plus paradise's eight gates linked to virtues. Though not Muslim himself, Lee drew from his chat's insights, earning playful titles like Sheikh Lee while prompting calls for self-reflection among fans. The back-and-forth captured football Twitter's mix of tactics and deeper topics last Thursday.

Key Takeaway

Lee Gunner fired back at an Arsenal troll questioning his faith knowledge with sharp precision on Islam's pillars and gates. The exchange turned heads for its unexpected dive into theology amid football banter.

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Inuwa, a former Katsina State Government secretary, alleged that insecurity-plagued councils hand over millions monthly to armed groups, even after peace accords in 18 areas. He criticized the deals for failing to halt attacks in places like Kankara and Funtua, where residents have died and been abducted. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda's administration supports community pacts that freed over 1,000 hostages but denies direct negotiations; no budgets confirm the claim, fueling debates over payments versus military action in Nigeria's northwest bandit crisis.

Key Takeaway

Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa dropped a bombshell in a recent interview, claiming one Katsina local council budgeted N300 million for bandits in 2026.

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Peak Rare Earths, an Australian company developing the Ngualla deposit near Mbeya, was bought by China's Shenghe Resources after funding woes. China already dominates with 70% of global mining and 90% of refining for the 17 rare earths essential to electronics, EVs, defense, and AI. The U.S. once led from its Mountain Pass mine in the 1980s but lost ground to China's low prices and refining prowess; now efforts like reviving Mountain Pass and federal aid aim to diversify, though experts say it will take a decade.

Key Takeaway

A promising rare earth project in Tanzania, meant to challenge China's supply hold, has now fallen under Beijing's control. It highlights how tough it is to build alternatives for these vital metals.

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Thika police arrested 56-year-old Heidari Mansoior Eslam and 40-year-old Babaei Ahmad Mirzaaga after they attempted a scam at a mobile phone shop, mirroring a theft that cost a nearby trader 15,000 Kenyan shillings last month. The current shopkeeper grew suspicious, called the previous victim for confirmation, and a crowd gathered before officers stepped in to prevent mob action. The case spotlights rising stupefying cons targeting Kenyan traders, with police urging tips via toll-free lines and warning against vigilante justice.

Key Takeaway

A sharp-eyed shopkeeper spotted two men trying the same old trick—posing as buyers while plotting to stupefy and steal.

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