Author: newsnote correspondent
The Nxamalala clan, connected to former South African president Jacob Zuma, has resurrected a long-dormant claim to land associated with the prestigious Hilton College. This revival comes amidst ongoing dialogues around land redistribution, which have remained a contentious issue in South Africa’s socio-political landscape. The claim relates to a portion of land that has been held by Hilton College—an institution respected for its academic rigor and considerable influence in the KwaZulu-Natal region. Zuma’s lineage believes that this land rightfully belongs to them based on ancestral ties, asserting their entitlement to the property as part of their broader legacy. The Nxamalala…
The 97th Academy Awards illuminated Hollywood with an unexpected triumph, as the low-budget comedy Anora swept the ceremony, claiming five Oscars including the coveted awards for Best Picture and Best Actress. Mikey Madison, the breakout star of the film, earned her first Oscar, while Adrien Brody took home Best Actor for his role in the postwar drama The Brutalist. Anora, which tells the unconventional love story of a sex worker marrying the son of a Russian oligarch, first captured attention at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. Its victory marks a significant milestone, making it the fourth film to take home both the Palme…
In a significant shift in international support, the United States has announced a cut in funding for various civil society organisations dedicated to assisting refugees in South Africa. This decision has raised immediate concerns among those advocating for human rights and humanitarian support in a region heavily reliant on such aid. The funding cuts, which are part of broader fiscal adjustments within US foreign assistance programs, could impact the lives of thousands of vulnerable refugees who depend on the critical services provided by local NGOs. From legal assistance to psychosocial support, these organisations have become a lifeline for refugees fleeing…
R&B singer Angie Stone died in a car crash early Saturday. She was 63. Stone was traveling with members of her band from Mobile, Alabama to Atlanta when their van collided with a semi-truck on Interstate 65 about five miles south of Montgomery, according to police and her label. The Mercedes Benz Sprinter flipped over on the road before it collided with the truck, Lt. Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said. Stone, who was a passenger in the van, was declared dead at the scene. Eight other passengers of the van were injured and transported to hospitals for treatment,…
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced a collaborative initiative aimed at drafting a ceasefire proposal for the enduring conflict in Ukraine. This historic announcement came during a summit held in London, where European leaders gathered to collectively address one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in recent memory. The summit not only underscored the dire need for peace but also showcased a united European front intent on fostering stability in the region. The leaders expressed their commitment to peace efforts, with the proposed ceasefire plan set to be presented to…
The Gauteng Provincial Government has completed its spaza shop and food outlet registration process with a notable response, receiving a staggering 17,617 applications by the cut-off date of February 28, 2025. In a bid to improve compliance and safety standards across the sector, this initiative has revealed both significant efforts and challenges within small businesses in the province. Among the applications, 4,600 spaza shops have been granted approval, significantly contributing to the vitality of local economies. Notably, out of these, 128 shops are owned by foreign nationals, reflecting the diversity and importance of immigrant contributions to South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.…
In a rather unusual incident that is capturing the attention of Cape Town residents, a man clad in remarkably large shoes was involved in a car crash in the vibrant district of Sea Point. The notable footwear, which bore a distinctive appearance, has stirred up a mix of curiosity and humour online as observers weigh in on their possible role in the mishap. Before the unfortunate accident, the man was spotted posing confidently in a local clothing store, showcasing a unique sense of style that undoubtedly made him stand out even more. Enthusiastic shoppers and passers-by took notice of the…
In a commanding display of cricket, South Africa has secured its spot in the Champions Trophy semifinals, triumphing over a beleaguered England by seven wickets in the last match of Group B on Saturday. This emphatic victory came on the back of a spectacular bowling performance, which saw the English side bundled out for a mere 179 runs — the lowest total in this edition of the tournament — in just 38.2 overs. Already eliminated from contention for the knockout rounds, England had hoped for a miracle victory that would have seen them needing to triumph by at least 207…
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Bantu Holomisa, has announced plans for a thorough debriefing following the tragic deaths of 14 South African soldiers in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Minister Holomisa made the statement while attending the funeral service of Staff Sergeant William Cola, a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), in Louterwater, Eastern Cape. During the service, Holomisa expressed his deepest condolences to the families affected by this loss and emphasised the importance of understanding the incidents that led to such devastating outcomes. “We will be doing a debrief after the incident in the…
In a bold response to allegations of rising farm murders in South Africa, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has publicly challenged AfriForum, an advocacy group known for its focus on rural safety, to substantiate their claims with concrete evidence. This confrontation comes amid an intense national dialogue regarding the safety of farmers and the broader implications for agricultural communities in the country. During a recent media briefing, Mchunu emphasised the importance of accountability and factual information in discussions surrounding crime statistics. He stated, “If AfriForum believes there is concrete evidence of an increase in farm murders, I urge them to present…