Welcome to the August 2025 archive. Here you’ll find a quick look at the biggest sports moments and a hot debate buzzing in South Africa. Everything is packed into a few short reads, so you can catch up without scrolling forever.
First up, Spanish football gave us a thrill when Antony, the Manchester United loanee, smashed a first‑time volley that opened the scoring for Real Betis. He didn’t stop there – he set up a second goal, and the visitors ran away with a 3‑0 victory over Real Sociedad. The win was clinched with Marc Roca adding a second‑half brace, while Sociedad finished the game with nine men after two red cards. Antony now has three goals and an assist in just four La Liga games, hinting that his Spain adventure could be taking off.
In England, Leicester City is making a splash across the Atlantic. The Foxes have secured six primetime slots on U.S. television this season, featuring big‑name clashes like the East Midlands derby against Coventry City. Games will air on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and other NBC platforms, giving the club a chance to grow its overseas fanbase. With promotion looking realistic, the exposure could be a game‑changer for players, sponsors and the club’s brand.
Both stories show how football is becoming more global every day. Whether it’s a young winger lighting up La Liga or a historic English side reaching new audiences, the sport keeps delivering moments that stick with fans.
Switching gears, South Africa’s TV licence system is back in the spotlight after a claim that radio host Sol Phenduka paid his licence live on air. The claim couldn’t be verified, but it sparked fresh conversations about how the SABC should be funded. Right now, households pay a fixed licence fee, but many argue the amount is outdated and the enforcement is uneven.
Critics say the licence model doesn’t reflect the way people consume media today – streaming services, mobile phones, and online news are the norm. Some proposals suggest replacing the licence with a household levy that’s tied to electricity usage, while others push for a fully commercial model for the broadcaster. The debate also touches on penalties for non‑payment, which can be steep and disproportionate for low‑income families.
What this all means for the average South African is a lot of uncertainty. If the government decides to overhaul the system, viewers could see changes in how they access local content, possibly paying more or less depending on the new structure. For now, the SABC continues to run on the current licence revenue, but the pressure to modernise is mounting.
That’s the snapshot of August 2025 on Desert Rose Daily – a mix of exciting sports action and a crucial media policy conversation. Dive into each story for more details, and keep checking the archive for fresh updates as they happen.
Antony scored a stunning first-time volley and set up another as Real Betis beat Real Sociedad 3-0 in La Liga. Marc Roca added a second-half brace, while Sociedad finished with nine men after Igor Zubeldia and Sheraldo Becker were sent off. The Manchester United loanee now has 3 goals and 1 assist in 4 games, hinting at a real revival in Spain.
A claim that radio host Sol Phenduka paid his TV licence live on air could not be verified, but it has reignited debate over South Africa’s TV licence system and how the SABC should be funded. Here’s what we know, what we don’t, and how the licence currently works, from costs and penalties to proposals for a new household levy.
Leicester City will have six of their Championship games broadcast live on U.S. television this season. Featuring high-profile clashes like the East Midlands derby against Coventry City, the Foxes are generating global buzz as favorites for promotion. Key matches will air on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and other NBC networks.