Author: newsnote correspondent
In an unprecedented move, US President Donald Trump has officially informed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that, beginning 1st August, a 30% tariff will be imposed on all South African products entering the United States unless a new trade agreement is established by that date. This letter, posted on Truth Social, is part of a wider alert issued to several countries, highlighting notable trade imbalances, including Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. The trade relations between the US and South Africa have been scrutinised in recent years, with the trade deficit reaching a staggering $8.8 billion last year. In his correspondence,…
As the recovery efforts continue following devastating flash floods that claimed at least 95 lives over the recent Fourth of July weekend in Texas, questions are mounting about the effects of staffing and budget cuts under the Trump administration. Floodwaters caught many residents off guard, leading to tragic outcomes that have drawn scrutiny over whether the federal government’s reduced capacity to predict and respond to such disasters exacerbated the calamity. The floods that swept through Texas were catastrophic, with communities like Ingram and Kerrville bearing the brunt of the destruction. Eyewitness accounts tell of late-night rescues, frantic searches for missing…
As the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) commenced in Morocco, Banyana Banyana announced their title defence with an impressive 2-0 victory over Ghana at Honneur Stadium on Monday. Defending champions South Africa showcased their strength and strategy in the searing Rabat heat, delivering a commanding performance against the Black Queens. The breakthrough for Banyana came in the 28th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Noxolo Cesane was fouled in the box. Linda Motlhalo, displaying confidence under pressure, converted the penalty with precision, sending Ghana’s goalkeeper, Cynthia Konlan, the wrong way. Just six minutes later, the South African…
In ongoing tensions between the United States and the BRICS alliance, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries that align with what he describes as “Anti-American policies” of the group. This announcement was shared on social media, where Trump cemented his stance against the coalition comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and more recently, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. “Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” he asserted. Such rhetoric…
The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) is mourning the loss of former Deputy President David Mabuza, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 64. Known for his significant contributions to the nation, Mabuza’s death leaves a void in the political landscape and among those who knew him closely. Mabuza played a pivotal role in the fight against the country’s energy crisis during his tenure in office, particularly as a key member of the ministerial committee on electricity. His efforts were instrumental in addressing issues that have long plagued South Africa’s economic stability, a challenge that has affected…
The disbandment of the political killings task team in South Africa has raised alarm bells, with serious allegations surfacing against high-ranking officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The task team, which has been pivotal in investigating politically motivated crimes in KwaZulu-Natal, was disbanded without the knowledge of the National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, prompting claims of political manipulation and corruption within the police ranks. Mkhwanazi made scathing allegations against his peers in a recent statement, suggesting that some police officials, alongside politicians in Gauteng, were entrenched in serious crime cartels. He cited the task…
In a significant shift amid a prolonged conflict, Hamas announced on Friday that it was prepared to engage in negotiations regarding a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States. This announcement came on the heels of US President Donald Trump revealing a “final proposal” aimed at establishing a 60-day ceasefire in a war that has stretched on for nearly 21 months, claiming over 6,000 lives in Gaza alone. Hamas’s official website relayed the group’s readiness to “immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing” the ceasefire framework. Trump’s optimism radiated as he discussed the situation aboard…
In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s political and law enforcement landscape, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has announced the disbandment of the political killings task team and the subsequent transfer of 121 ongoing investigations to other units. This decision comes amid serious allegations of corruption and collusion involving politicians and senior police officials. During a media briefing on operational matters concerning the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province, Mkhwanazi did not hold back in naming names. He specifically implicated Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, who has…
In a thrilling encounter at Loftus Versfeld, the South African Springboks showcased their formidable strength in an explosive first half against Italy, ultimately securing a 42-24 victory. The match began with the Boks coming out swinging, scoring four tries before the break and establishing a commanding 28-point lead, largely thanks to the impeccable kicking of Handré Pollard, who converted each try beautifully. Italy, known for their resilience, struggled to contain the Springbok onslaught during the first half. Despite their relentless efforts, the Italian side could only manage a penalty goal, finding themselves on the back foot as the Boks dominated…
In a landmark verdict rendered in a Manhattan courtroom, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution but avoided more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul, once the epitome of success in the music industry, now faces a possible multi-year prison sentence following this pivotal trial, which has shed light on the darker aspects of celebrity culture. The trial, which captivated audiences and sparked discussions about power dynamics in the entertainment industry, reached its conclusion after three days of jury deliberations. While the jurors did not unanimously agree on several…