Author: newsnote correspondent
U.S. and Ukrainian officials concluded a tense but productive round of talks in Geneva on Sunday, signaling movement toward a revised American peace proposal aimed at ending nearly four years of war with Russia. The discussions, held at the U.S. mission, followed days of alarm in Kyiv and European capitals over an initial 28-point U.S. draft that called for significant Ukrainian territorial concessions, permanent limits on its armed forces, and a renunciation of NATO membership aspirations – terms widely viewed as heavily favoring Moscow. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, leading the American delegation alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, described…
High-stakes diplomatic negotiations unfolded today at the U.S. Mission in Geneva, where top officials from the United States, Ukraine, and key European allies convened to scrutinize Washington’s controversial 28-point draft peace plan aimed at halting Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. With President Donald Trump imposing a Thanksgiving deadline—November 27—for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to approve the proposal, the talks underscore mounting pressure on Kyiv to concede territory, military capabilities, and NATO aspirations in exchange for vague security guarantees. Key Figures and Agenda U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Geneva this morning to…
In a poignant closing address at the G20 Leaders’ Summit – the first ever hosted on African soil – President Cyril Ramaphosa urged fellow world leaders to rally international support for nations grappling with profound reconstruction challenges, emphasising that no country is immune to the ravages of climate-induced disasters. Delivering his remarks at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Sunday, Ramaphosa highlighted the summit’s unified commitment to bolstering low- and middle-income countries as they navigate escalating debt vulnerabilities. “The G20 has pledged to extend a hand to all countries with significant challenges to rebuilding,” he stated, underscoring the disproportionate burden these…
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero has dismissed claims that the visible improvements in cleanliness and service delivery ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit (18-19 November 2025) were a temporary showcase, insisting the progress is sustainable and will continue long after world leaders have left Nasrec. Speaking to the media on the final day of the summit, Morero threw down a direct challenge to sceptical residents: “Simple, check us on Tuesday. If we are not on the ground on Tuesday, then it means we are going for the summit. But if you see us in all the regions continuing to unblock…
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri addressed media misconceptions on the final day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec Expo Centre, confirming that Argentina fully endorsed the adopted declaration despite initial objections. Argentina’s Participation Confirmed Phiri clarified that reports of Argentina abstaining from the 30-page declaration were inaccurate. “Argentina did sign the declaration,” he stated, noting that the country raised concerns over specific provisions—similar to its reservations expressed during Brazil’s 2024 G20 presidency—but ultimately supported the document. The declaration, addressing climate action, global peace and security, and resilient supply chains for critical minerals, was officially…
South Africa formally closed its G20 presidency on Sunday at the conclusion of the two-day Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, the first G20 summit ever hosted on African soil. Representatives from 42 countries attended, including all G20 members except the United States. United States Boycotts the Summit The United States was the only G20 member absent from the proceedings. President Donald Trump withdrew an earlier decision to send Vice-President JD Vance and ultimately opted for no representation at leaders’ level or otherwise. South African officials described the absence as a voluntary decision by Washington. Handover of the G20 Presidency South Africa…
South Africa produced a ruthless display of forward power and clinical finishing to beat Ireland 24-13 at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night, securing their first victory on Irish soil since 2012 and completing a perfect 4-0 Autumn Nations Series tour. A chaotic first half saw Ireland reduced to 12 men after lock James Ryan was shown a red card (upgraded from yellow) for a dangerous clear-out on Malcolm Marx in the 20th minute. Further yellow cards for Cian Prendergast and prop Andrew Porter – the latter triggering a penalty try – left the hosts reeling at 17-0 down at…
Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off their 2025/26 CAF Champions League group stage campaign in style, brushing aside DR Congo’s St Éloi Lupopo 3-1 at a sun-drenched Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening. Portuguese winger Nuno Santos was the undisputed star of the show, scoring twice (5’ and 77’) and playing a key role in the build-up to Marcelo Allende’s 61st-minute strike as the Brazilians asserted their status as Group C favourites. Sundowns wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest. Just five minutes in, Miguel Reisinho threaded a clever pass through the Lupopo defence and Santos kept his composure to slot…
South Africa can complete the most successful calendar year in their 139-year rugby history with victory over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium tonight (kick-off 17:40 GMT / 19:40 SA time). A win would give the world champions 14 victories from 15 Tests in 2025, surpassing the previous best of 13 wins achieved by the 1998 side under Nick Mallett. It would also extend their current winning run to 11 matches and deliver a first Springbok victory at the Aviva Stadium under head coach Rassie Erasmus. Ireland, ranked second in the world, have won three of the five encounters between the…
Argentina has formally objected to the G20 Leaders’ Declaration at the Johannesburg Summit, becoming only the second country – alongside the United States – to withhold support before the document’s final adoption on Sunday. Speaking at the opening plenary session at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday, Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno told delegates that Buenos Aires could not back the text due to unresolved differences on several geopolitical issues, particularly the conflict in the Middle East and Gaza. “The declaration document has not achieved consensus on a few issues, including certain geopolitical matters like the conflict in the Middle…