Author: newsnote correspondent

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…

Jacques Pretorius, a former chief executive of Absa iDirect, has been taken into custody for the alleged murder of his 36-year-old wife, Sheri-Ann, whose death was initially thought to be a suicide. The 54-year-old executive was arrested at his home in Somerset West, Cape Town on Monday, and subsequently appeared in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court, where he was granted bail set at R5,000. Pretorius faces serious charges of premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice, significantly complicating his previously reputable legacy in the direct short-term insurance industry. During court proceedings, he maintained his innocence, stating through his affidavit,…

In a devastating incident that has left the Johannesburg community in mourning, a bus travelling northbound on the R21 crashed at the R24 split, resulting in the tragic loss of twelve lives, comprising nine men and three women. The accident has blocked a crucial interchange leading to OR Tambo International Airport, disrupting traffic and raising concerns about safety on one of the city’s busiest routes. According to Ekurhuleni disaster and emergency management spokesperson, William Ntladi, the bus “jack-knifed and rolled several times,” indicating the severity of the crash. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as emergency services rushed to…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three M23 rebel leaders, including former electoral chief Corneille Nangaa, military commander Sultani Makenga, and political leader Bertrand Bisimwa. The trio was sentenced to death in absentia last year for treason. Despite the bounty, arresting them remains unlikely as Rwandan-backed M23 forces continue to dominate eastern DRC, seizing major cities like Goma and Bukavu. Thousands have been killed, and hundreds of thousands displaced. President Félix Tshisekedi is calling for international sanctions against Rwanda, which a UN report says has deployed troops to support M23.…

In a striking manifestation of discontent towards one of the world’s most polarising figures, recent protests outside Tesla showrooms across the United States have drawn attention not only for their fervour but also for the questionable motives behind them. Dubbed the ‘Tesla Takedown,’ these demonstrations prominently feature criticisms of both Dogecoin (DOGE) and Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, whose influence spans both economic and political domains. What’s particularly intriguing about these protests is the emerging evidence suggesting that a portion of the participants may be receiving compensation for their involvement. Reports have surfaced indicating that some…

As the trial of Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, along with her co-accused Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steven ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, continues in the half-empty court at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, a compelling narrative is emerging around the mother of the missing Joshlin Smith. Despite being described as a drug user with a history of rehabilitation, witnesses took the stand to assert that Smith was a dedicated mother to her children. The trio faces serious charges of kidnapping and human trafficking concerning the disappearance of Joshlin, who was under the care of Appollis when she went missing…

African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), founded and helmed by one of South Africa’s wealthiest men, Patrice Motsepe, has reported a staggering 49% decline in headline earnings for the six months ending December 2024. This development marks a challenging period for the mining giant, which operates in several mineral sectors including iron ore, platinum group metals (PGMs), and manganese ore.Motsepe, who holds an estimated net worth of $3 billion, making him the fourth richest individual in South Africa, possesses approximately a 40% stake in ARM, valued at around R13.2 billion. His multifaceted business interests extend beyond ARM, encompassing African Rainbow Capital, Mamelodi…

Sphamandla Mabonga, a well-known businessman with ties to celebrity Londie London, was killed during an armed confrontation at Solo restaurant. The incident, which unfolded late on Tuesday evening, escalated into a lethal exchange of gunfire between Mabonga’s bodyguards and restaurant security personnel, leaving the local community in disbelief. According to reports by News24, the evening began with an argument at the entrance of the trendy dining establishment as Mabonga attempted to enter the venue armed. Witnesses described a chaotic scene that quickly spiralled into violence, resulting in a shootout that claimed the lives of two of Mabonga’s bodyguards and left…

The South African arts community is in mourning following the passing of the late Athol Fugard, a celebrated playwright, novelist, actor, and director, who died on Saturday at the age of 92. Known for his powerful narratives that encapsulated the shared pain of South Africa’s past, Fugard used his art as a means of conveying hope for a brighter future. Fugard’s impressive body of work includes over 30 plays, many tackling the harsh realities of apartheid. His commitment to eradicating segregation extended beyond his writing; he ensured that his plays were produced and performed globally, rather than solely within segregated…