Author: newsnote correspondent
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.…
In a significant move that could reshape the landscape of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has agreed to a proposed 30-day ceasefire put forth by the United States, marking a potential turning point in negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace. This proposal emerged from recent diplomatic discussions held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where both the U.S. and Ukrainian representatives echoed a commitment to finding a resolution to the war that has deeply affected not only the two nations but also shaken global stability. The U.S. Secretary of State, during the recent talks, reiterated the nation’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial…
In a shocking turn of events, the mother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, reportedly revealed to her class teacher that her daughter had been taken by boat to West Africa. The revelation came during a tense court session where Smith, alongside her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, faced serious charges of kidnapping and human trafficking in the Western Cape High Court, convened at the White City Multipurpose Centre. The testimony of Edna Maart, Joshlin’s teacher, dropped a bombshell as she recounted a conversation she had with Smith the day following Joshlin’s disappearance. Maart…
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has proposed a value-added tax (VAT) increase in his reworked 2025 Budget Speech delivered on Wednesday. Fresh from an unprecedented postponement of the main budget presentation from February to March, Godongwana’s proposals include a 0.5 percentage point raise in the VAT rate for both the fiscal years 2025/26 and 2026/27. This signals a shift from his earlier, more aggressive plans for tax hikes. The new VAT rate is expected to rise from 15% to 15.5%, set to take effect on 1 May 2025. This proposal, however, is likely to fuel a heated debate in parliament, particularly…
Elon Musk has finally broken his silence regarding a string of alarming attacks that have resulted in significant damage to Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and electric vehicles (EVs) across the United States and beyond. Amid ongoing protests and public dissent towards his leadership of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the controversy continues to escalate. Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock values have plummeted, prompting urgent calls for accountability in light of recent events. On March 10, 2025, a fire in Seattle that damaged four Tesla Cybertrucks is the most recent incident under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and…
The recent withdrawal of funding from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s vulnerable sex worker community. Sisonke, an organisation advocating for sex workers’ rights, has expressed deep concerns regarding the fallout from this decision, which they say leaves their members exposed and without essential healthcare services. President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the plug on Pepfar funding last month has raised alarms among public health officials and activists alike. Since its establishment in 2003, South Africa has received billions in US dollars through the initiative, aiding the country in its fight…
As South Africa braces for a pivotal moment in its fiscal policy landscape, Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to present the revised 2025 Budget on 12 March 2025. This presentation comes amidst growing concerns over the nation’s economic trajectory and the implications of increased government spending.The anticipated speech is set to navigate significant terrain, addressing the implications of net new spending, potential tax increases designed to fund this spending, and their possible repercussions for economic growth. The framework laid out by the minister will significantly influence assessments of fiscal policy and its overarching impact on South Africa’s economic…