Author: newsnote correspondent
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…
As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East reach a new crescendo, Iranian media outlets have made an alarming proclamation: the world is poised to witness ‘extraordinary scenes and developments’ in the near future. This announcement has sent shockwaves throughout the region and beyond, escalating fears of impending military actions that could further destabilise the volatile landscape. In response to these developments, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) has been placed on high alert, bracing for possible military maneuvers from Iran. This decision comes in the wake of escalating rhetoric and recent actions taken by Tehran, which are seen as direct jabs…
At a news conference held at his Mar-a-Lago estate, US President-elect Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric surrounding the potential annexation of both Greenland and the Panama Canal. Stating that these territories are essential for national and economic security, Trump left the door open regarding the use of military or economic force, declaring, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two.” This statement has sparked significant backlash from both Denmark and Panama, who have firmly rejected any notion of ceding territory. During the sprawling press event, initially intended to announce a massive $20 billion investment by Dubai developer…
A devastating magnitude-6.8 earthquake has rocked China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, leading to a staggering death toll of at least 126, as reported by state media. The quake struck a remote area of the Himalayas along the nation’s border with Nepal, causing extensive damage across multiple townships. According to the Tibet Autonomous Region earthquake bureau, the fatalities predominantly stemmed from three townships—Changsuo, Quluo, and Cuoguo—in Dingri county. This remote region is no stranger to seismic activity due to its location in a geologically active area, but the ferocity of this earthquake has caught many by surprise. Initial reports indicated a more…
India has identified its first confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a highly contagious respiratory virus, with the Union Health Minister JP Nadda announcing on Monday that five cases were detected across the nation. The affected states include Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, in addition to individual cases reported in Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to seven. Amid growing concerns of respiratory infections attributed to HMPV, China is experiencing a notable surge, leading to overcrowded hospitals and escalating public apprehension. The spike has been particularly prominent in northern provinces and among children,…
President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on Canada, suggesting he will deploy “economic force” rather than military intervention to transform the northern neighbour into the 51st state. During a recent press conference, Trump expressed a contentious view regarding the financial obligations placed upon the United States to protect Canada, claiming America has expended “hundreds of billions” of dollars in security costs, while simultaneously enduring a trade deficit with the nation. This is not the first time Trump has hinted at Canada’s potential statehood; he has previously referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” and has repeatedly floated the…
The Proteas have marched to an impressive seventh consecutive Test win. The victory was achieved against a resilient Pakistan side in a gripping encounter that unfolded over five days at Newlands, Cape Town. Fans filled the stands, embodying the nation’s unwavering support as each session unfolded in a dramatic ebb and flow, reflecting the fierce competitive spirit of Test cricket. From the outset, the stage was set for a sensational contest, with both teams eager to assert their dominance early on. The Proteas, riding high from recent successes, maintained their momentum courtesy of a powerful performance by both batters and…
The African National Congress (ANC) remembered Joe Slovo thirty years since his passing, Slovo’s revolutionary journey, intertwined with the history of the ANC and its allies, stands as an embodiment of the principles that have guided the struggle for freedom. Slovo, a committed Marxist-Leninist, leader of the South African Communist Party (SACP), and commander of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), represented the unbreakable unity of theory and action within South African government. President Cyril Ramaphosa said Slovo was firm in strategy and action. “The mission to which he dedicated his life is not yet complete, that we must concede, it is…
ArcelorMittal South Africa has announced the impending closure of its longs steel business. The decision is expected to affect up to 3,500 jobs, sending ripples through both the workforce and local communities intertwined with the steel producer’s operations. The closure is attributed to a combination of economic pressures and declining demand in the longs steel sector, a key segment that produces products used in construction and manufacturing. ArcelorMittal, a leading global steel and mining company, indicated that persistent challenges, including rising input costs and competition from foreign imports, have rendered the business unsustainable. Trade unions and industry analysts have expressed…