Author: newsnote correspondent
South African citrus and macadamia growers have received a major boost after United States President Donald Trump exempted several high-value agricultural products from the 30% tariff regime imposed on South African exports earlier this year. The exemptions, confirmed through an executive order issued on 14 November, cover oranges, avocados, mangoes, tomatoes, peppers, fruit juices, macadamia nuts, cashews, pine nuts, beef, cocoa, coffee, tea and a wide range of spices. The decision effectively restores duty-free access for these items, reversing the August 2025 tariff that had overridden benefits previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Agricultural economist Wandile…
Controversial North West businessman Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi testified before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System (chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga) at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. This marked the start of Phase 2 of the commission’s proceedings. Mogotsi, accused of serving as a middleman between suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and alleged crime syndicate leader Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, made several explosive claims during his testimony led by chief evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC. Your query appears to reference key elements of his statements, including…
In a clear demonstration of its commitment to ensure continuity and effectiveness in governance, the African National Congress (ANC) is leaving nothing to chance as it gears up for the local government elections scheduled for 2026. The party’s top officials unveiled their plans during a media briefing held at the iconic Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Monday. The ANC’s Electoral Committee, led by Chairperson Kgalema Motlanthe, is set to announce mayoral candidates for metropolitan councils and secondary municipalities well ahead of the elections. This forward-thinking approach aims to bolster the party’s chances, especially in major urban centres, by allowing ample…
Controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, accused of acting as a middleman in a web of alleged corruption linking suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, is scheduled to take the stand at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The hearing, marking the start of Phase 2 of the inquiry, will allow implicated individuals like Mogotsi to address serious claims of criminality, including the facilitation of R500,000 in payments from Matlala to support Mchunu’s ANC presidential bid in 2027. WhatsApp exchanges, extracted from Matlala’s seized phone and previously presented to the commission,…
Durban High Court hears evidence that key social media posts were deleted after forensic examination in Zuma-Sambudla incitement case Durban – Explosive testimony in the Durban High Court has revealed that several social media posts allegedly used to incite violence during the July 2021 unrest were deleted from Twitter (now X) – including posts from the account of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla – after law enforcement had already begun preserving evidence. Brigadier Janine Steynberg, the State’s third witness and a seasoned digital forensic investigator with the South African Police Service, told the court on Monday that there was a “real threat” of…
The sudden axing of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) on 31 December 2024 was so unexpected that it felt “like being struck by lightning”, a senior investigator told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Monday. Lieutenant-Colonel Ntate Khumalo, one of the unit’s key members, described the psychological and operational fallout after national police headquarters ordered the immediate disbandment of the specialised team and the transfer of all 121 political assassination dockets to Pretoria in March 2025. “It damaged them, it left scars,” Khumalo testified. “Some members were out working on the 31st when the letter surfaced. If you’re…
The South African rand surged past a key psychological barrier Monday, with USD/ZAR trading firmly below R17 for the first time in months, as investors cheered improving fiscal health, record foreign reserves, and a global risk rebound—boosted by South Africa’s high-profile G20 presidency kicking off this week.The currency’s rally accelerated last week after a brief early-November dip to R17.58, with analysts pointing to a weaker U.S. dollar, rising commodity prices, and renewed confidence in Pretoria’s economic management.USD/ZAR has broken decisively below R17, and the technical picture supports further downside, said Skerdian Meta, lead FX analyst at FXLeaders. The 200-week moving…
With just five days until the world’s economic powerhouses converge on African soil for the first time, South Africa’s government has signaled full readiness for the landmark 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit. The event, hosted at the Nasrec Expo Centre from November 22–23 under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” caps a year-long presidency that began on December 1, 2024, and positions the continent at the heart of global talks on debt relief, climate finance, and inclusive growth. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, speaking on SABC’s Morning Live today, emphasized the summit’s role in amplifying diverse voices. “You’ve got leaders of…
The thrilling and low-scoring opener of South Africa’s tour of India concluded dramatically on November 16, 2025, with the visitors securing a historic 30-run win—their first Test victory on Indian soil in 15 years. Simon Harmer’s masterful spin bowling (4/30 in the first innings and 4/21 in the second) and Temba Bavuma’s resolute unbeaten 55 in the second dig propelled South Africa to defend a modest target of 124 on a treacherous Eden Gardens pitch that offered vicious turn and variable bounce from Day 2 onward. This result gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and boosts…
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued its second-highest weather alert – Orange Level 9 – warning of disruptive heavy rainfall set to trigger widespread flooding across Gauteng and the Highveld regions of Mpumalanga from tonight through Sunday. Forecaster Letlhogonolo Thobela confirmed the severe outlook, stating: “We are issuing a weather warning update for disruptive rain that’s expected to result in flooding conditions, fast-flowing streams, and significant danger to life and property over Gauteng and the highveld of Mpumalanga.” The warning, effective immediately, targets: Expected Impacts (Level 9 Criteria) RiskDetailsFlash FloodingLow-lying bridges, informal settlements, and urban drainage systems overwhelmedRoad…