Author: newsnote correspondent
Volkswagen Group Africa has initiated a nationwide recall of 25,729 Polo Vivo vehicles due to a potential defect in the handbrake lever that could prevent it from engaging properly or cause it to disengage unexpectedly. The affected models were manufactured and sold between February 2025 and February 2026, prompting the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to urge owners to contact their nearest dealerships immediately for a free inspection and repair. The issue stems from the rivet height on the handbrake lever being outside the required specifications, which poses a safety risk, particularly when parking on inclines. NCC spokesperson Pheto Ntaba emphasized…
Malelane, Mpumalanga – Four people, including a minibus taxi driver and a young toddler, lost their lives in a devastating side-swipe collision between a minibus taxi and a light delivery vehicle (bakkie) on the R581 road between KaMhlushwa and Malelane. The incident occurred on the evening of March 7, 2026, sending shockwaves through the local community. Several other passengers sustained injuries in the crash and were promptly rushed to Shongwe Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Details on the exact number of injured and their conditions remain limited as authorities focus on the ongoing investigation. Mpumalanga Provincial Community Safety, Security and…
Washington, D.C. — Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates visited the White House this week following their historic championship victory in Major League Soccer (MLS). The team was invited ahead of their weekend league match against D.C. United in Washington, where they were welcomed by Donald Trump during a ceremony recognizing their title-winning season. Inter Miami secured their first MLS Cup title in December, marking a milestone for the club, which is co-owned by former England captain David Beckham. The victory represents the club’s first championship in the league since its founding. During the event, players stood alongside…
In a landmark ruling that could reshape fiscal governance in South Africa, the Western Cape High Court has declared the finance minister’s unilateral authority to adjust the value-added tax (VAT) rate unconstitutional. This decision has been met with enthusiasm by both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who argue it reinforces crucial constitutional principles regarding parliamentary powers. The case was brought by the DA in 2025, following Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s controversial attempt to raise the VAT rate from 15% to 15.5% during his inaugural national budget presentation. The proposed increase sparked widespread debate, as…
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has hit back at allegations suggesting he is immune from criminal prosecution, insisting that he has been the deliberate target of law enforcement agencies throughout his career. O’Sullivan made his remarks on Thursday while concluding his testimony before the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating corruption within the criminal justice system. His response comes after some Members of Parliament (MPs) implied that O’Sullivan operated as if he were “untouchable” because of his high-profile work in combating corruption. “If that is the case, I’ve yet to see the evidence of that,” O’Sullivan said. “As I said previously, I…
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Kristi Noem will step down as Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security in a major cabinet reshuffle. In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social on Thursday, Trump confirmed that Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma will replace Noem in the role, with the appointment expected to take effect on 31 March 2026, pending Senate confirmation. Trump thanked Noem for her service, praising what he described as “spectacular results,” particularly regarding the administration’s border policies. He added that she will transition to a new position as Special…
South Africa has lost a beloved figure in the entertainment industry as Soli Philander, the multifaceted actor, presenter, director, and comedian, has passed away at the age of 65. While the cause of his death remains undisclosed, tributes pour in from all corners of the nation, highlighting the significant impact he had on both the arts and society at large. Philander was best known for hosting the Afrikaans music quiz show “Liriekeraai” and the game show “Vat ‘n Kans”. His ability to connect with audiences through humour redefined entertainment in South Africa, allowing him to resonate with a diverse audience…
The International Relations Department of South Africa has issued an urgent advisory for citizens currently residing in the Middle East. As conflict intensifies in the region, it has encouraged South Africans to take immediate action by utilising the limited flight opportunities available to exit safely. According to a spokesperson for the department, Chrispin Phiri, the ongoing violence has raised alarms, with heavy attacks anticipated in the coming days. In light of this, South Africans are strongly discouraged from embarking on any non-essential travel to the affected areas. Phiri stated, “Most of our South Africans are in the UAE and Doha,…
Kolkata, India – New Zealand powered their way into the Twenty20 World Cup final with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semifinal at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The win was highlighted by a record-breaking century from Finn Allen and a clinical batting display that left South Africa reeling. Put into bat, South Africa struggled early, collapsing to 77-5. However, a determined 55 not out from Marco Jansen, who smashed two fours and five sixes, alongside a 73-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs (29), helped the Proteas reach a competitive 169-8. Earlier, the team had lost key wickets…
Michael Mashuga, a former senior prosecutor, has accused forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan of interfering with the operations of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Speaking before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating corruption in the criminal justice system, Mashuga claimed the police watchdog was effectively under O’Sullivan’s control. He alleged that O’Sullivan impersonated IPID officials and unlawfully accessed the private information of former acting commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. Mashuga, who left the National Prosecuting Authority in 2024, testified about the case he had pursued against O’Sullivan and his former assistant, Sarah Jane Trent. Mashuga said the case against O’Sullivan — arrested for…