Author: newsnote correspondent
The public spotlight remains firmly fixed on the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa trial, with significant developments continuing to unfold in the courtroom. The state has decisively confirmed that renowned singer Kelly Khumalo will not take the stand as a witness in this high-profile case. This declaration follows a query from defence counsel Zithulele Nxumalo, who was keen to ascertain Khumalo’s role in the proceedings. During the latest court session, state prosecutor George Baloyi addressed the question directly, emphasising that the selection of witnesses lies entirely at the discretion of the state. This includes the possibility of not calling key figures such…
In a historic moment for Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known by her initials NNN, has been elected as the country’s first female president, a groundbreaking achievement in a nation that has witnessed tumultuous political transitions since gaining independence in 1990. The 72-year-old candidate received over 57% of the votes, significantly ahead of her nearest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 26%, according to the electoral commission’s reports. However, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s path to the presidency has already seen a challenge, with Itula declaring the election process “deeply flawed” due to logistical issues that necessitated a three-day…
As the sun sets over Yas Marina on Sunday, December 8, Formula One will bear witness to a poignant moment in the sport’s history: Lewis Hamilton will compete in his final race for Mercedes, heralding the end of an era both for himself and for a dominant team that has shaped a remarkable chapter in the world of motorsport. This race not only signifies Hamilton’s departure but also aligns with a fierce battle for the Constructors’ Championship between his former teams, McLaren and Ferrari. The stakes are high, as the pair vie for supremacy in a season-ending showdown that could…
In a stark reflection of ongoing economic challenges, South Africa’s economy contracted by 0.3% in the third quarter of the year, reversing the previously reported 0.3% growth recorded in the second quarter. The latest figures released by Statistics South Africa reveal a concerning trend across multiple sectors, casting a shadow over the nation’s economic recovery prospects. Notably, the contraction was partly driven by declines in crucial industries such as agriculture, transport, trade, and government services. Each of these sectors faced unique pressures that contributed to the overall downturn in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With agriculture, for instance, struggling amid…
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has delivered a significant ruling against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, finding him in contempt of a court order related to the treatment of illegal miners at the Stilfontein mine in North West province. This landmark decision has raised concerns about the government’s handling of the issues surrounding illegal mining and the individuals affected by these operations. The court ruling stemmed from allegations that Mchunu restricted the amount of food supplied to workers involved in retrieval operations at the mining site. The retrieval operations, which have gained notoriety due to safety concerns and the health…
In a harrowing incident that underscores the dangers associated with illegal mining operations, over 100 miners are reportedly trapped in an abandoned mine in Sabie, Mpumalanga. This alarming situation has raised urgent concerns about safety protocols and the perils faced by those who engage in such hazardous work. According to police reports, six individuals have managed to resurface, but tragic news follows as three miners are confirmed deceased. Eyewitness accounts suggest that rescue efforts are underway, but the vast number of individuals trapped presents significant challenges. Local authorities are coordinating with emergency services to reach those still underground, amid fears…
The high court in Pretoria resumed proceedings on Wednesday, as lead investigator Bongani Gininda took the stand for further examination. This pivotal case, which has gripped South Africa since the tragic assassination of soccer star Senzo Meyiwa nearly a decade ago, remains fraught with unanswered questions, chief among them: what was the motive behind this high-profile murder? During a rigorous cross-examination, Gininda indicated that investigators are still grappling with the fundamental question of why Meyiwa was targeted on that fateful night in October 2014, in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni. The challenges of establishing a clear motive highlight the complexities surrounding the investigation,…
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol addressed the nation on Tuesday via a live broadcast on YTN television, declaring martial law in an unprecedented step that has sent shockwaves throughout the country. Yoon justified his decision as a necessary measure to “safeguard constitutional order,” yet he offered scant details on what the implementation of martial law would entail. The announcement comes in the wake of escalating tensions between Yoon’s government and the opposition parties, which currently hold a majority in the South Korean parliament. In his address, Yoon pointed fingers at the opposition Democratic Party for allegedly taking the parliamentary…
In a significant move aimed at strengthening ties between South Africa and Nigeria, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a series of reforms that will simplify visa requirements for Nigerian visitors. The new initiative, set to introduce a five-year multiple-entry visa, is designed to streamline the process for Nigerian tourists and businesspeople, removing the current mandate to submit passports during the application process. This development underscores South Africa’s commitment to enhancing trade relations within the continent, particularly with one of its largest economies. “We want Nigerian products on South African shelves,” Ramaphosa stated emphatically, highlighting the potential for increased trade volumes and…
Antonio Trindade, the former contractor for Eskom embroiled in a scandal linked to the hefty R1.4 billion upgrade at Kusile Power Station, has been declared unfit to stand trial, as outlined in a recent hearing at the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday. This decision stems from a psychiatric report presented to the court, revealing that Trindade suffers from a “major neurocognitive disorder,” a condition that appears to have worsened following a stroke he suffered in December last year. The report, compiled by a panel comprising three psychiatrists and a psychologist from Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, highlighted not only the…