Author: newsnote correspondent
US President Donald Trump says the political and economic tensions between the United States and its 2026 World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico will be good for the tournament. Trump has imposed tariffs – taxes charged on goods imported from other countries – on the United States’ two neighbours. Asked how he saw the World Cup playing out, given the current trade situation between the three nations, Trump said: “I think it’s going to make it more exciting. Tension’s a good thing, I think it makes it much more exciting.” At the start of the week, Trump confirmed that he…
The South African government has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s recent assertions regarding land confiscation in the country, describing them as “counterproductive megaphone diplomacy.” The statement comes after Trump reiterated his claims on social media, extending an invitation to farmers purportedly seeking safety to relocate to the United States. This rhetoric, laden with political implications, has further strained relations between the two nations, especially after Trump halted financial aid to South Africa in what appears to be a response to these ongoing tensions. Trump’s claims reference South Africa’s contentious land expropriation act, signed into law in January 2023, which…
US President Donald Trump announced plans for “large-scale” sanctions and tariffs against Russia. This announcement comes as Trump calls on the Kremlin to engage in dialogue and work towards a “final settlement” to bring an end to the ongoing war. The ramifications of these potential sanctions could further deepen the rift between the United States and Russia, as both nations stand on the brink of a geopolitical crisis. In his statement, Trump emphasised the urgency of achieving peace in Ukraine, a war that has caused significant loss of life and disruption in Europe. “We need to see immediate action from…
In a shocking incident that has rattled the affluent suburb of Sandton, Johannesburg, a shooting erupted late Thursday night at the popular Solo Restaurant, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a man and his bodyguards. The violence unfolded when the man and his armed guards attempted to enter the establishment, overruling the restaurant’s strict no-firearms policy. The night turned tragic as gunfire broke out, claiming the lives of the aggressors and leaving four others injured, among them a dedicated member of the local community policing forum who was present on the scene. Emergency services rushed to provide aid,…
Sergeant Meyer Milstein from the Vredeburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit revealed that investigators discovered blood-like stains on a pillowcase and bed sheet during the search for missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith. The unsettling revelations came during the ongoing court proceedings concerning Joshlin’s mysterious disappearance, with the case casting a shadow over the small community of Middelpos. Sergeant Milstein, boasting 15 years of experience in the South African Police Service (SAPS), was called to testify yesterday. He described how he arrived in the tranquil Morreesburg area around 1pm on February 20, 2024, initiating his critical role in…
In a significant blow to South Africa’s ambitious energy reform ambitions, the United States has announced its withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a coalition designed to aid developing nations in transitioning away from coal. This decision has resulted in the shelving of the electrification of South Africa’s informal settlements, encapsulated in a five-year initiative spearheaded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Power Africa programme. According to a statement from the Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit (JET-PMU) within the Presidency, the US formally communicated its exit last week. This positions South Africa…
The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in Ekurhuleni has voiced strong opposition to the city’s recent decision to slash overtime and acting allowances by 50%. The union warns that this drastic move could jeopardise the already fragile service delivery systems that many residents depend on. The city’s decision, attributed to budgetary constraints, has left municipal workers feeling undervalued and concerned about their ability to effectively provide services. In a statement, Chris Mavunda, SAMWU’s Regional Chairperson, articulated the frustration felt by many: “We are told that there is no money to pay the workers and for services that need to…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the necessity of collaboration across various levels of government to enhance the provision of basic services, particularly in the crucial province of Gauteng. Addressing the Gauteng Legislature in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa outlined his commitment to addressing pressing issues such as poor infrastructure, job creation, and the revitalisation of struggling municipalities. This address comes ahead of a series of strategic meetings with provincial government leaders aimed at bolstering governance and service delivery. Accompanied by a cadre of ministers and their deputies, President Ramaphosa emphasised that a lack of effective engagement and cooperation has been detrimental to service…
South Africa’s ambitions of reaching a rare ICC final came to a shuddering halt on Wednesday as New Zealand delivered a stunning 50-run victory in the second Champions Trophy semi-final held in Lahore. With their hopes dashed, the Proteas faced questions surrounding their performance, which ultimately fell short amid a lack of partnerships and ineffective bowling in crucial moments. Diagnosis The diagnosis of South Africa’s defeat lies in the stark absence of partnerships, both with the bat and ball. The match saw a solitary century stand between Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) for the second wicket,…
At the Western Cape High Court, Steveno van Rhyn, one of the accused in the high-profile Joshlin Smith case, detailed harrowing claims of police torture during his interrogation, asserting he was subjected to brutal treatment without ever witnessing the missing child on the day in question. This alarming testimony came to light through his lawyer, Nobahle Mkabayi, who presented van Rhyn’s plea explanation at court proceedings held in the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha. Van Rhyn stands trial alongside Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Kelly Smith, with all three charged with kidnapping and trafficking in persons, alongside denying any wrongdoing.…