Author: newsnote correspondent

The South African rand has taken a considerable hit, primarily attributed to the escalating crisis within the Government of National Unity (GNU). This political turbulence has raised alarms among economists and investors, who fear that the instability could further exacerbate the nation’s economic woes. Over the past week, the rand has slumped dramatically against major currencies, with analysts noting a direct correlation between the ongoing political uncertainty and the currency’s declining value. The crisis stems from deep-seated divisions among coalition partners, leading to a tug-of-war over governance and policy direction. Investors have reacted swiftly to the tumultuous political landscape, pulling…

In a dramatic turn of events, renowned traditional healer Gogo Maweni has been granted bail of R5,000 by the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto. The bail comes in light of serious charges against her, specifically assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, stemming from an incident that occurred in 2019. Maweni, a prominent figure in the traditional healing community, appeared in court today to face these allegations that have sparked widespread attention. The court proceedings drew a considerable crowd of supporters, showcasing the community’s unwavering backing for the healer during her legal troubles. Family members and loyal followers expressed…

In a display of remarkable skill and mental toughness, Jannik Sinner triumphed over Alexander Zverev to clinch his second Australian Open title, reaffirming his status as one of tennis’ rising stars and marking a historic achievement for Italian tennis. Throughout the fierce contest, Sinner demonstrated why he is considered a potential all-time great, particularly during a pivotal moment in the second set. At 5-6, with the pressure mounting and the score at 30-30 on his serve, Zverev aimed to steal the set. With precision and agility, Sinner chased down every shot, ultimately landing a stunning backhand winner that left the…

Hamas has successfully negotiated the release of four female Israeli soldiers as part of a prisoner exchange, further intensifying the ongoing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The exchange, which also saw the release of approximately 200 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, underscores the precarious nature of the current ceasefire, which has already experienced considerable strain since its inception. The soldiers, identified as Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19, were stationed at an observation post along the border when Hamas militants seized control of their base on 7 October 2023, during a devastating offensive…

South Africa’s rand has markedly strengthened against a weaker U.S. dollar on Friday. At 1406 GMT, the rand was trading at 18.37 against the dollar, reflecting a gain of approximately 0.9% from its previous close. The movement comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s vocal insistence on the Federal Reserve to consider lowering interest rates, a request that could have significant implications for global currency markets. This performance signals a renewed optimism in the South African currency, which has suffered from a variety of economic pressures over the past year. The rand’s appreciation is underscored by the greenback’s decline, as it…

The Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg, North West, is experiencing a severe electricity crisis, threatening the livelihood of its local businesses. Many establishments have been left in the dark for weeks, struggling to remain operational amidst ongoing power outages, and facing the grim prospect of permanent closure if the situation does not improve. With electricity outages becoming more frequent and prolonged, business owners are being forced to turn to alternative energy sources, which come at a hefty financial cost. “It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about staying open to serve our customers,” lamented one local entrepreneur. “Every day…

The recent abduction and rape of two nurses on duty at the Ga-Chuene clinic outside Lebowakgomo has cast a shadow over the Department of Health’s commitment to providing 24-hour clinic services across Limpopo. While the province is home to over 500 clinics, only 200 can operate around the clock due to persistent safety concerns. The incident two weeks ago has reignited fears of staff safety in healthcare settings, especially during the vulnerable night shifts. Eight years prior, the Vyeboom clinic near Vuwani was also a site of violence, forcing the cessation of its 24-hour services. Such events have raised critical…

The South African Women’s Under-19 cricket team has once again displayed their dominance on the international stage, continuing their unbeaten streak at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) T20 World Cup in Malaysia. The Young Proteas notched their fourth consecutive victory by defeating Ireland by seven wickets in their first match of the Super Six stage at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak. The match, which was shortened to 10 overs per side, saw Ireland opting to bat first. In a collapse that set the tone for the contest, the Irish squad was bowled out for a mere 35 runs in…

Gauteng has become a battleground, as zama zamas—illegal miners—fleeing Stilfontein have found themselves embroiled in violent clashes with police and local miners. The confrontations, marked by chaos and unrest, highlight the escalating tensions surrounding illicit mining activities that have plagued South Africa’s gold-rich regions. For years, Stilfontein, located in the North West province, has been a hotbed for zama zama operations, attracting hundreds of individuals seeking refuge in the illegal mining industry. With the South African government ramping up efforts to curb illegal mining activities and secure mineral rights for local communities, many zama zamas have fled the area, seeking…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the Expropriation Bill into law, a move aimed at addressing the country’s pervasive issues of land inequality. The landmark legislation seeks to provide a clear framework for the expropriation of land without compensation, marking a significant shift in policy that follows decades of struggle over land ownership in the post-apartheid era. Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson for the Presidency, stated that the bill has undergone a rigorous five-year process of public consultation and parliamentary deliberations, aligning the legislation on expropriation with the provisions set forth in the Constitution. “Section 25 of the Constitution recognises expropriation…