Author: newsnote correspondent

Traffic volumes are skyrocketing at the De Hoek Toll Plaza on the N3 highway near Heidelberg as thousands of holidaymakers stream back to Gauteng after the festive season break. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reports that more than 1,000 vehicles passed through the plaza on Sunday alone, with authorities warning of even heavier flows today as many return to work. Provincial government officials and law enforcement agencies express grave concern over dangerous driving habits observed on Gauteng roads. Reckless behaviours include excessive speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, children sitting unrestrained on parents’ laps, motorists vlogging while driving, and drunk…

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Monday to address the United States’ controversial military operation in Venezuela, which culminated in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The debate unfolded amid sharply divided international opinions, with accusations of sovereignty violations clashing against justifications of law enforcement against an indicted leader. The meeting, requested by Venezuela, Colombia, Russia, and China, began at 10 a.m. EST and focused on the legality of “Operation Absolute Resolve”—a U.S.-led raid on January 3 involving over 150 aircraft, airstrikes on Caracas targets, and a Delta Force extraction team.…

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions roared back into the AFCON quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa in a tense Round of 16 encounter at Al Medina Stadium on Saturday. The Lions struck first in the 34th minute when defender Junior Tchamadeu pounced on a rebound from a corner to slot home from close range, giving Cameroon a 1-0 lead at halftime. South Africa had dominated possession and created several clear chances, including a Lyle Foster goal controversially disallowed for offside early in the first half. Cameroon doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second period when Christian Kofane…

A mouthwatering showdown awaits in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 knockout stage as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana take on five-time champions Cameroon at Al Medina Stadium (also known as Al Barid Stadium) on Saturday, January 4. The match, kicking off at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT / 21:00 SAST / 22:00 CAT), promises high drama, especially with South Africa coach Hugo Broos facing the nation he guided to continental glory in 2017. Broos has vowed “no mercy” against his former side, declaring: “I am the coach of South Africa now and I want to win the game.” South Africa…

After American forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a large-scale military strike early on January 3. Maduro, who had been inaugurated for a controversial third term in January 2025 following disputed 2024 elections, was flown to New York, where he arrived late Saturday and is now detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn ahead of federal charges. President Donald Trump announced the operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, on social media, stating that U.S. forces “successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela” with no American casualties. He posted images of Maduro in custody aboard…

The African National Congress (ANC) is set to kick off its 114th anniversary celebrations with the traditional January 8 Statement at Moruleng Stadium in the North West province on January 10, where President Cyril Ramaphosa will outline the party’s priorities for the year ahead, with a sharp focus on reclaiming lost ground in the upcoming 2026 local government elections. The event, described as the party’s annual “pilgrimage,” comes at a critical juncture following the ANC’s historic setback in the 2024 national and provincial elections, where it secured only 40% of the vote, losing its national majority and control in provinces…

Reigning 2021 champions Senegal kicked off the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Round of 16 with a hard-fought 3-1 comeback victory over underdogs Sudan at the Ibn Batouta Stadium on Saturday. Sudan stunned the pre-match favorites with a dream start, as Aamir Abdallah curled a brilliant effort into the far corner just six minutes in, silencing the Senegalese supporters and giving the war-torn nation’s Falcons of Jediane hope of a historic upset. However, the Lions of Teranga responded with authority. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye proved the hero, leveling the score with a composed finish from the edge of the box…

President Donald Trump stunned the world Saturday morning by declaring that U.S. special forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a dramatic “large-scale strike” and flown them out of the country. Speaking from the White House, Trump described the overnight operation as a decisive blow against what he called a “narco-terrorist regime,” citing long-standing U.S. indictments against Maduro for drug trafficking and corruption. Details of the raid remain limited, but sources indicate elite Delta Force operators were involved. Explosions and gunfire rocked Caracas in the early hours, with massive plumes of smoke rising over…

Chinese automaker BYD has dethroned Tesla as the global leader in pure electric vehicle (EV) sales for the first time, marking a significant shift in the rapidly evolving EV market. BYD reported sales of approximately 2.26 million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2025, a robust 28% increase from the previous year. This figure propelled the Shenzhen-based company ahead of Tesla, which delivered around 1.636 million vehicles worldwide—an 8.6% decline from 2024 and its second consecutive year of falling sales. Tesla’s fourth-quarter deliveries came in at 418,227 vehicles, down 16% from the same period in 2024 and slightly below analyst expectations. The…

The National Motorist Association of South Africa has warned drivers against traffic officers allegedly pressuring them to pay outstanding fines on the spot at roadblocks, amid heightened festive-season enforcement. CEO Bobby Gage said the association has received numerous complaints of motorists being threatened with arrest for refusing immediate payment. “The short answer is no – you do not have to pay immediately,” Gage stated. “It’s a convenience, not a legal requirement.” He claimed nine out of 10 motorists face intimidation, adding that under the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977, only courts can issue arrest warrants. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department…