Author: newsnote correspondent

The profound sacrifice of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who lost their lives while serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has captured the nation’s attention and sparked an outpouring of grief and pride. As their bodies arrive in Uganda on their way back to South Africa. The SANDF soldiers were part of the United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), where they faced harrowing conditions in a mission focused on promoting peace and stability in one of Africa’s most tumultuous regions. Their return was heralded by a convoy of SANDF armoured vehicles,…

In a fiercely contested middleweight championship bout, Dricus Du Plessis showcased his formidable striking prowess, landing a brutal right hook that left Sean Strickland reeling. The defining moment of the match occurred in the fourth round, where Du Plessis’s powerful blow struck Strickland squarely on the nose, causing a dramatic scene as blood streamed down the American’s face. As clear footage revealed, the impact of Du Plessis’s punch left Strickland’s nose crooked, prompting a member of the commentary team to exclaim, “Uh oh, it’s broken!” Recognising the severity of the strike, Strickland instinctively reached for his nose, appearing to grab…

Solidarity and AfriForum have publicly condemned the African National Congress (ANC) following a directive former US President Donald Trump issued. The order, which criticises South African land policies, has ignited fresh tensions among political factions within the country. Both Solidarity and AfriForum recently voiced their frustrations, asserting that the ANC’s governing strategies are to blame for the adverse attention South Africa is receiving abroad. “We are going nowhere,” stated AfriForum’s leaders, emphasising their steadfast commitment to resisting what they perceive as detrimental policies. The sentiment echoes beyond their organisations as many South Africans reflect on the long-term implications of global…

The repatriation of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members, who tragically lost their lives while deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is currently underway. These brave soldiers died amidst rising tensions as the M23 movement captured the strategic city of Goma and other regions in eastern Congo. South African authorities have collaborated closely with the United Nations to facilitate this sensitive and complex repatriation process. The fallen troops are expected to be flown back home from Uganda to South Africa, marking a solemn return for…

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at cutting aid to South Africa. This decision is grounded in his administration’s contention that the South African government is engaging in race-based discrimination against Afrikaners, a group descending from Dutch settlers, and adopting what has been described as “aggressive positions” towards the United States and its allies. The unexpected executive order has sent ripples through both political and social spheres, highlighting the tense and often complex relationship between the US and South Africa. Over recent years, activists and civil rights groups have documented instances of land reform policies in…

President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to implement reciprocal tariffs on a wide array of countries, expected to be detailed by early next week. This initiative marks a significant escalation in his administration’s ongoing effort to recalibrate trade relationships to favour the United States. During a discussion with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump hinted at plans that would see the U.S. impose tariffs matching those levied by trading partners on American imports, aiming for a more equitable treatment of American goods abroad. “I’ll be announcing that, next week, reciprocal trade, so that we’re treated evenly with other…

During the State of the Nation Address (Sona), President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled an ambitious economic strategy designed to elevate South Africa’s annual growth rate above 3% through a near-R1 trillion boost in public infrastructure spending. This comprehensive investment plan seeks to catalyse job creation and stimulate growth across multiple sectors, reinforcing the strong commitment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) to addressing the nation’s economic challenges. Ramaphosa framed economic growth as the “most urgent task” confronting the GNU, acknowledging the pressing need to foster an environment where investment, growth, and job creation can thrive. “To create this virtuous cycle…

In an address marking the first State of the Nation (Sona) after the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled an ambitious medium-term strategy aimed at revitalising South Africa’s fragmented service delivery systems. Against a backdrop of persistent challenges, he emphasised three key areas of focus that the government intends to prioritise: inclusive economic growth, the reduction of poverty, and building a capable state. These objectives come as a rallying cry to citizens grappling with inadequate public services amid escalating frustrations. However, Ramaphosa’s declarations of commitment to elevate South Africa’s service delivery standards stood in…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that he will not participate in the G20 summit scheduled to take place in Johannesburg later this year. His announcement not only signals his absence from the main summit but also from the crucial preparatory meeting of G20 foreign ministers on 20 and 21 February. This decision has led to speculation regarding whether President Donald Trump will also choose to skip the gathering in November. Rubio took to social media platform X on Wednesday night, sharing his strong sentiments regarding the South African government’s actions. He stated, “I will NOT attend the…

The M23 rebels have announced a ceasefire effective from Tuesday, a declaration that aims to halt the ongoing violence in the eastern city of Goma, which has recently seen devastating clashes resulting in the deaths of at least 900 people. This news comes on the heels of a grim report from the UN health agency, highlighting the toll of last week’s brutal fighting between M23 forces and Congolese government troops. While the situation in Goma—home to over a million residents—has reportedly calmed, concerns linger as M23 forces shift their focus to the neighbouring province of South Kivu, raising alarms about…