Author: newsnote correspondent

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa has raised the alarm over a sophisticated deepfake investment scam that is leveraging the images and voice of one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen, Dr Patrice Motsepe. In a troubling announcement, the regulator revealed that false videos featuring a clone of the billionaire entrepreneur have emerged on social media, enticing members of the public with promises of excessive returns. The fraudulent operation centres around fictitious companies named Gold Earnings and Africa Gold. According to the FSCA, these entities are enticing victims with the prospect of “unrealistic returns” that can reach as…

The Department of Basic Education has unveiled the final results of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations for the 2024 matric cohort, revealing a remarkable pass rate of 87.3%. This increase of 4.4 percentage points from 2023 marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s educational landscape. In an address to the nation on 13 January 2025, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Dwarube emphasised that while the matric pass rate serves as a strong indicator of progress within the education system, it is not the sole measure of success. “The rise in pass rates reflects our continuous efforts to enhance educational…

Reports have emerged of over 100 men who perished from suspected starvation and dehydration deep within an abandoned gold mine in the North West province. This tragedy unfolded as police authorities sought to enforce a clampdown on the miner’s operations, leaving many trapped underground for months. The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), a group representing the miners, reported on Monday that the dire situation has claimed the lives of at least 100 men in what has since been called the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine crisis. Sabelo Mnguni, a spokesperson for MACUA, detailed harrowing information received from survivors and desperate…

The Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training, Umalusi, has officially approved the release of the 2024 matric results, confirming the credibility and integrity of the National Senior Certificate examinations administered by the Department of Basic Education. This announcement came during a media briefing held in Pretoria by Umalusi Chairperson, Professor Yunus Ballim. Umalusi’s affirmation marks a significant milestone for the nearly 800,000 candidates who sat for the exams, alleviating concerns that could have stemmed from potential irregularities. Professor Ballim stated that the Executive Committee of Umalusi concluded the examinations were conducted in accordance with the established regulations…

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin on Monday called off the inaugural launch of its key New Glenn rocket following last-minute issues on the vehicle, in a blow to its bid to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the satellite space.The launch was slated to take place out of Florida as of 1 a.m (American Time). “We’re standing down on today’s launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that will take us beyond our launch window. We’re reviewing opportunities for our next launch attempt,” the company said on the X social media platform. This is a developing story.

In a spirited address at the Mandela Park sports complex in Khayelitsha, African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has reassured the residents of Khayelitsha and its surrounding areas that the party will make a concerted effort to enhance service delivery in the Western Cape. Ramaphosa’s statements come as part of the ANC’s ongoing renewal programme aimed at transforming the party into an ethical and decisive leadership body. Highlighting the importance of accountability and responsive governance, Ramaphosa underscored that the renewal initiative is pivotal for the ANC’s mission to serve the people more effectively. “The ANC acknowledges the challenges faced…

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) in the Eastern Cape has intensified its push for the rollout of the National Health Insurance (NHI), a transformative policy aimed at improving access to healthcare for all South Africans. However, the organisation has raised significant concerns regarding the maintenance of healthcare facilities, emphasising that inadequate infrastructure could undermine the success of the NHI initiative. Denosa’s call for the NHI rollout aligns with the government’s broader commitment to equitable healthcare, particularly in regions where health disparities are pronounced. The NHI aims to establish a single-payer system designed to cover the entire population,…

In a poignant tribute delivered during the eulogy for former President Jimmy Carter, his son, former Vice-President Walter Mondale, shed light on Carter’s foresight in confronting the issue of climate change long before it had reached global consciousness. The eulogy, read by Ted Mondale, a former Minnesota state senator, articulated the sacrifices Carter made to forge a path in environmental policy during his presidency, which spanned from 1977 to 1981. “Carter was far-sighted,” Mondale reflected, alluding to his father’s willingness to prioritise long-term ecological stability over immediate political gain. He continued, “He put aside his short-term political interests to tackle…

In a significant turn of events for Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the party has confirmed the voluntary resignation of beloved founding member Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. This departure comes at a tumultuous time for the EFF, marked by the exits of several notable members, including co-founder Floyd Shivambu and former chairperson Dali Mpofu, creating a ripple of uncertainty within the ranks. The past few months have seen the EFF shaken by the departures of key figures who have either sought new political ventures or distanced themselves from the party’s current direction. Many of these former members have joined Jacob…

In a move that could reverberate across global markets, the United States Department of Defence has added Chinese tech giant Tencent to its Chinese Military Company (CMC) list. The decision has elicited an immediate reaction in South Africa, where JSE-listed entities Prosus and Naspers—major shareholders in Tencent—have experienced a notable decline in their net asset values and share prices. Alongside Tencent, companies such as CATL and Autel Robotics Co. have also been flagged, but analysts have suggested that the placement on the CMC list carries no legal ramifications. A spokesperson for Tencent sought to clarify the designation, asserting, “This is…