Author: newsnote correspondent
European Union (EU) and South Africa have committed to deepening their partnership at a summit held this week. The gathering takes on added urgency as both entities navigate rising challenges stemming from the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, marked by a retreat from multilateralism and increasing economic nationalism. “This is a time for partners who share the same values to collaborate, particularly when multilateralism is under attack,” said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the summit’s opening remarks in Cape Town. He articulated concerns over the “huge global shake-up” that has occurred since Trump took office, expressing a…
In a move that has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s energy sector, six individuals, including key officials from the embattled Kusile Power Station, have been arrested as part of a sprawling investigation into corruption and graft within Eskom, the country’s state-owned electricity supplier. The arrests, confirmed by local law enforcement, are believed to stem from allegations that these officials were involved in fraudulent activities that cost the beleaguered power utility millions of rands. As Eskom grapples with ongoing power supply challenges and financial instability, the revelations of graft and mismanagement have raised serious concerns about governance and accountability within the…
Parts of northern Italy, particularly Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, are grappling with significant flooding and landslides following torrential rain. As red alerts blanket cities such as Florence and Pisa, officials warn residents to remain vigilant in the face of continuing downpours predicted through Friday afternoon. With local rescue and health services on high alert, Tuscany’s president has urged citizens to exercise “the utmost attention and caution”. The impact of the relentless rain was felt acutely in Bologna, where reports of landslides and mudslides led to the swift evacuation of residents late Thursday evening. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported as the…
In a gripping turn of events at the Western Cape High Court, harrowing details have emerged that cast a dismal shadow over the trial of Racquel “Kelly” Smith, accused of kidnapping her then-6-year-old daughter, Joshlin. Key witness Lourentia “Renz” Lombaard delivered chilling testimony that suggested Smith confessed to selling her child to a traditional healer, commonly referred to as a sangoma, for an alarming sum of R20,000. As Lombaard recounted her unsettling narrative before Judge Nathan Erasmus, the atmosphere in the packed courtroom shifted significantly, punctuated by audible gasps from the public gallery. Court orderlies were compelled to restore order…
The long-awaited testimony of Lourentia Lombaard in the trial of missing Joshlin Smith was halted just minutes after it began, when the judge adjourned proceedings to allow defence lawyers to consult with their clients. The dramatic developments unfolded yesterday afternoon at the Western Cape High Court, currently convened at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville. Lombaard, also known as “Renz,” took the stand as a former accused turned State witness. She was initially arrested alongside Smith’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn. Originally hailing from Wolseley, Lombaard, a mother of…
The spotlight shone brightly on the 2024 SA Rugby Awards, a celebration of extraordinary skill and teamwork that defines South African rugby. Leading the charge was Cheslin Kolbe, who added another prestigious accolade to his illustrious career by being named the SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year. His exceptional contributions on the field cemented his status as one of rugby’s most influential players, a recognition that comes as no surprise to fans who have watched him light up pitches around the globe. In a year dominated by skillful performances, the Springboks, who recently triumphed in the Rugby World Cup,…
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled his support in principle for a ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States regarding the protracted conflict in Ukraine. However, in his remarks, Putin was careful to underline that any progress towards a cessation of hostilities would be contingent upon several critical conditions being met. Putin’s cautious endorsement comes at a time when diplomatic channels are heating up, largely driven by high-level engagements from envoys representing former U.S. President Donald Trump. This development has invigorated discussions around a potential ceasefire, sparking a mix of speculation and cautious optimism within international diplomatic circles. The…
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the complete abolition of NHS England. The controversial decision is rooted in an ambition to eliminate bureaucratic red tape within the National Health Service (NHS) and reinvest the freed-up resources directly into frontline healthcare services. However, the ramifications of this announcement have ignited fierce debate across the political spectrum, raising questions about government overreach and the future of NHS employees. During a press conference held in Westminster, Starmer emphasised that this move is not merely about slashing jobs but rather an essential step towards creating a more efficient and democratically accountable healthcare system.…
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has officially gazetted new regulations that comprehensively ban the manufacture, sale, and importation of foodstuffs derived from cannabis and hemp. This decision, lacking public fanfare, has raised eyebrows among consumers, advocates, and business owners already grappling with the complexities of cannabis legislation in the country. The regulations, which were quietly implemented, classify cannabis and hemp-derived foods as illegal, penalising violators with potentially significant fines or even imprisonment. Such stringent measures have ignited debates around personal freedom, nutrition, and economic opportunity in a country where the medicinal use of cannabis has garnered support from various sectors. The…
South Africa finds itself at a crucial crossroads. Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande has boldly stated that the nation cannot afford to ignore Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (#4IR) if it is to remain competitive on the global stage. Minister Nzimande delivered these compelling insights during his keynote address at the National System of Innovation Transformation Summit held in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni. As industries worldwide evolve swiftly, Nzimande emphasised the importance of integrating AI into South Africa’s socio-economic framework. “We are living in a time where technological evolution has the potential to transform our daily lives.…