Author: newsnote correspondent

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.…

A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation and a staggering humanitarian crisis as the death toll rises to more than 1,000. The tremor, which originated just 16km north-west of the city of Sagaing, was felt across borders in Thailand and south-west China, shaking buildings and disrupting lives far from the epicentre. The first quake hit around 12:50 local time (06:20 GMT), quickly followed by a second tremor of magnitude 6.4 just 12 minutes later. The repercussions of these quakes have been severe, especially in Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city with approximately 1.5 million residents—where many of the fatalities…

In a significant ruling by the High Court in Pretoria, four Zimbabwean nationals were sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in a violent robbery spree that led to the tragic deaths of two individuals, including a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The crimes, which shocked the community of Brits in North West, unfolded in June 2022, targeting unsuspecting families enjoying a night out. The robbery incidents saw the accused, who targeted families seated outside in the evenings, stealing cellphones and money with little regard for human life. The situation escalated swiftly, resulting in the fatal…

The South African Blitzboks faced a rollercoaster of emotions during their opening day at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament on Friday, with a resounding victory followed by a disappointing defeat. As the 50,000-seater Kai Tak Stadium buzzed with excitement, the Blitzboks kicked off the tournament in impressive style, securing a robust 40-7 victory over Uruguay, signalling their intent to dominate the competition. The Blitzboks were in full flow as they showcased their prowess on the pitch, scoring six tries against a struggling Uruguayan side. This opening match not only set the tone for their campaign but also breathed confidence into…

In the early hours of March 28, 2025, the bustling streets of Harare were awash with flames and chaos as multiple arson incidents erupted, targeting properties linked to prominent Zanu PF-affiliated businessmen. The attacks, which set vehicles ablaze at the offices of Wicknell Chivhayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, alongside a DA petrol station, have stirred significant unrest amidst an already contentious political landscape.The incidents came on the heels of explosive allegations made by war veteran Blessed Geza, who openly labelled Chivhayo and Tagwirei as ‘criminals around the president’. This accusation appears to have ignited a fire—both literally and metaphorically—that has raised…

In a dramatic turn of events during the ongoing Joshlin Smith kidnapping and human trafficking case, the name of controversial figure Gayton McKenzie emerged in the Western Cape High Court sitting in Saldanha Bay today. As the trial unfolds, the implications of McKenzie’s actions and those around him have come under scrutiny, raising further questions regarding the investigation and its integrity. During a tense cross-examination, investigating officer Captain Wesley Lombard revealed that McKenzie and members of his party had been visibly active in the vicinity following Joshlin’s disappearance. Notably, they utilised social media to share numerous videos, a strategy that…

 The Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has expressed deep concerns regarding the state of South Africa’s strategic fuel reserves. Following a recent assessment, it was revealed that a significant portion of the storage facilities managed by the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) remains alarmingly empty, prompting questions regarding the country’s preparedness to address potential fuel crises. Mikateko Mahlaule, the chairperson of the committee, issued a statement underscoring the urgency of the matter. “We are not satisfied with the amount of strategic fuel reserves that the SFF is keeping in stock,” she stated, clearly indicating that the current reserves…

In a landmark decision reaffirming the principles of free speech, the South African Constitutional Court has dismissed AfriForum’s appeal against previous rulings regarding the controversial chant ‘Kill the Boer’. This judgment, delivered on [insert date], follows earlier decisions by the Equality Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal, establishing a strong precedent in the ongoing debate about freedoms enshrined in the country’s constitution. At the heart of the court’s deliberation was whether the chant, which has become synonymous with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and its leader Julius Malema, constitutes hate speech. The apex court concluded that AfriForum’s application lacked…

South African farmers are expected to achieve a maize harvest exceeding 14.56 million metric tons in the 2024/2025 season, marking a remarkable increase of over 13% compared to last year’s yield of 12.85 million metric tons. This update, released on Wednesday by the government’s Crop Estimates Committee (CEC), aligns with hopeful trends in the nation’s agricultural output. The CEC’s second summer crop forecast has revised the anticipated yield upwards from the prior estimate of 13.91 million metric tons, which was reported on February 27. The new figures indicate an 8% increase based on earlier assessments, showcasing a positive trajectory for…