Author: newsnote correspondent

Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), Senegal’s largest and most prominent university, has suspended all student associations following violent protests over unpaid scholarships that left a second-year medical student dead. The unrest unfolded on the university’s campus in Dakar, where students had been demonstrating against delays in the disbursement of stipends — a recurring grievance that has long disrupted the country’s academic calendar. Tensions escalated when security forces entered the campus to disperse protesters, firing tear gas and confronting students who reportedly threw stones in response. Amid the clashes, student Abdoulaye Ba was killed during what authorities described as a police…

South Africa national cricket team defeated Afghanistan national cricket team in a dramatic double Super Over thriller at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The pulsating group-stage encounter ended in a tie after South Africa posted 187 for six in their allotted 20 overs, with Afghanistan matching the total by scoring 187 all out in a tense chase. The first Super Over failed to separate the sides, as both teams once again finished level in a breathless exchange that kept fans on edge. That forced a rare second, sudden-death Super Over. South Africa ultimately held their…

Accused number two in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Bongani Ntanzi, has told the High Court in Pretoria that police repeatedly assaulted him in an attempt to force him to sign documents implicating himself in the killing of the former Bafana Bafana captain. Ntanzi is on trial alongside four co-accused in connection with Meyiwa’s 2014 murder. All five men have pleaded not guilty to the charges. While testifying in court, Ntanzi alleged that he was pressured to confess and was assaulted when he denied any involvement in the crime. He told the court that officers repeatedly asked whether he was…

Farmers in Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape are once again under strain following a renewed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), marking the second flare-up in the region in less than a year. The resurgence has intensified concerns over livestock health, strict movement controls, and escalating financial losses within the agricultural sector. Farmers fear that continued outbreaks could further destabilise dairy and beef production in the area, with ripple effects across the broader economy. ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip visited the region to conduct an oversight inspection and engage directly with affected farmers. During his visit, he sharply criticised the government’s…

Four suspects were shot and killed during a shootout with police at the Amadikwe informal settlement in Inanda, north of Durban, late on Tuesday night. According to KwaZulu-Natal police, the men were wanted in connection with several serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder and robbery. Officers reportedly tracked the suspects to the informal settlement, where a confrontation ensued, resulting in a gun battle. Police said the four men were fatally wounded during the exchange of fire. Three firearms were recovered from the scene. In the same operation, three additional suspects were arrested, while a search is ongoing for others who…

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a Nigerian national in Johannesburg, calling for accountability and a transparent investigation into the incident. The organisation described the killing as “brutal” and “assassination-style,” expressing concern over what it believes may reflect a broader pattern of violence against Nigerian nationals living in South Africa. The victim, identified as Emeka Clement Uzor, was shot multiple times on Sunday afternoon while seated inside his vehicle at a garage in Windsor East, Randburg. According to a statement released by NUSA on Monday, Uzor was attacked in broad daylight, in circumstances…

Infrastructure investment firm Harith has reached an agreement to acquire low-cost airline FlySafair, marking a significant development in South Africa’s aviation sector. The proposed transaction, announced on Tuesday, remains subject to approval by the Competition Commission and relevant aviation regulators. Harith, a Johannesburg-based infrastructure investor with more than $3 billion in assets under management, said the acquisition aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen transport infrastructure and connectivity across the African continent. The deal follows a shareholder exit process at FlySafair that has been under consideration for several years. Harith said the transaction reflects confidence in the airline’s business model…

Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has asked Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating police corruption to limit the length of his testimony sessions, citing health concerns. O’Sullivan, who is giving evidence in person before the committee after weeks of delays, requested that proceedings on Tuesday and Wednesday not extend beyond 7pm. Addressing committee members, O’Sullivan said he had spent the entire night preparing for his testimony and warned that extended questioning would worsen his medical condition. “I also have medical issues that need to be dealt with. I’m 70 years old — I’m not the spring chicken that I used to be,”…

Pretoria – Accused number two in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Bongani Ntanzi, has told the High Court in Pretoria that investigators were not specific about the date of the Bafana Bafana captain’s killing when they initially questioned him about his alibi. Ntanzi, who is standing trial alongside four other accused for the 2014 murder of Meyiwa, took the witness stand on Monday as part of his defence. The soccer star was fatally shot at the Vosloorus home of musician Kelly Khumalo’s parents. According to the state, Ntanzi was one of the intruders who allegedly entered the house on the…

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has cautioned African countries against engaging in a “race to the bottom” as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, warning that the continent risks being short-changed despite its vast natural wealth. Mantashe was speaking on Monday at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, an annual four-day gathering of mining companies, government leaders, and financiers focused on the state of the mining sector, its challenges, and investment opportunities. According to the Africa Finance Corporation, Africa is home to an estimated $39 trillion in on-site mineral value, accounting for more than 20% of…