Author: newsnote correspondent

After a hard-fought contest in Algiers, where they narrowly defeated MC Alger 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, Orlando Pirates now face the challenge of juggling their squad management as they prepare to travel to Limpopo. On Saturday afternoon at 3pm, they will take on the unpredictable Polokwane City, who are eager to build on their recent success following a 3-1 victory over Richards Bay. The stakes are high for the Buccaneers, with the return leg against the Algerians awaiting them next Wednesday at the Orlando Stadium. This triumphant away goal by Mohau Nkota in…

The future of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) hangs in a precarious balance following the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) threat to withdraw from the coalition. This shocking ultimatum comes in light of a recent Budget approval that includes a controversial 1% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), a move facilitated by the African National Congress (ANC) joining forces with minor parties to secure the necessary votes. On the eve of the Budget’s passage, ActionSA emerged as a key player, helping the ANC navigate through opposition, enabling the adoption of the fiscal framework report that marks the first critical step…

Val Edward Kilmer, a celebrated and often underrated actor, passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that spanned a remarkable range of film genres. Known for his versatility, Kilmer made his mark in comedies, westerns, crime dramas, musical biopics, and action-adventure films. Yet, it was his portrayal of the 1960s counterculture icon Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s film The Doors that showcased his extraordinary talent as both a stage actor and singer. Critic Roger Ebert famously noted, “If there is an award for the most unsung leading man of his generation, Val Kilmer should get it.” His performances…

In an impassioned response to the alarming case of a 7-year-old pupil allegedly raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, the head of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit, has pledged to ensure that every avenue of justice is pursued and that all evidence is meticulously preserved. This development comes as thousands of South Africans rallied under the banner of #JusticeForCweCwe, demanding accountability and justice for the young survivor. The incident, which reportedly occurred while the girl awaited her transport in October last year, has sparked outrage within the community and…

In a dramatic turn of events at the court hearings regarding the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, Detective Captain Wesley Lombard has categorically denied allegations that he instructed others to assault accused Steveno van Rhyn. This assertion arose during cross-examination by Van Rhyn’s legal representative, Nobahle Mkabayi, who claimed her client had accused Lombard of masterminding a violent assault against him while in custody.van Rhyn, who previously detailed harrowing experiences during his detention, stated he was picked up by men who later revealed themselves to be police officers. He alleged these men took him to Jacobsbaai, where he faced severe threats…

The Trump administration has initiated a programme aimed at providing refuge to white Afrikaners in South Africa, opening new pathways for approximately 8,200 applicants seeking resettlement in the United States. Dubbed “Mission South Africa,” the programme is prompting debates within both American and South African contexts, as it embarks on an unprecedented mission to transition office spaces in Pretoria into temporary refugee centres. According to a report by The New York Times, the United States has already deployed teams to expedite the conversion of commercial office spaces into ad hoc facilities. Initial stages of the programme have reportedly led to the…

ArcelorMittal South Africa has announced the deferral of its planned closure of long steel plants until August 31. This reprieve results from a substantial injection of 1.683 billion rand ($91.50 million) from the state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the company revealed on Monday. This decision marks a pivotal moment for ArcelorMittal, which had previously indicated its intention to cease long steel production as early as April. The steelmaker made this announcement on February 28, attributing its decision to the lack of concessions from the government on its demands for a relief package. The discussions between the company and government officials…

In a heated political landscape, Zimbabwe’s controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has jumped to the defence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, amid a flurry of threats from disgruntled war veteran Blessed ‘Bombshell’ Runesu Geza. The threats come as Geza and his cronies prepare for planned nationwide protests, seeking to oust Mnangagwa, whom they accuse of leading a corrupt government. The threats of protests have placed the government in a defensive posture, leading to the deployment of law enforcement agencies to prevent potential uprisings. Chivayo, known for his close ties to the Zanu PF party, did not hold back in his criticism of…

In a significant development for South Africa’s coalition government, the two largest parties—the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA)—have signalled progress in their negotiations aimed at resolving a contentious budget impasse. As optimism grows about a potential agreement by Wednesday, when lawmakers are set to vote on crucial fiscal legislation, the rand has responded positively, appreciating against the dollar. Willie Aucamp, a spokesman for the DA, expressed heightened confidence in the talks. This optimism follows renewed negotiations that resumed on Sunday, as both parties recognise the urgency of finalising the fiscal framework. Failure to pass the fiscal…

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday, residents of Mandalay are in a race against time as aftershocks continue to tremor through the already shattered city. As of Sunday, the death toll has surpassed 1,600, with many still unaccounted for and scores feared trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings.The initial quake, measured at a staggering 7.7 magnitudes, occurred just after noon, sending shockwaves that rattled the city of over 1.7 million people, leaving behind a trail of massive destruction. Within minutes, a powerful aftershock of 6.7 magnitudes followed, exacerbating the already catastrophic situation.…