Author: newsnote correspondent
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially removed Andrew Whitfield, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, from his position—an action that has drawn swift reaction from the Democratic Alliance (DA). The decision comes at a time of heightened scrutiny on Cabinet members, with increasing pressure on the president to address issues within his own party ranks. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed the removal, highlighting that it aligns with the applicable constitutional provisions governing ministerial appointments. However, he noted that the president had not indicated any intention to conduct a broader cabinet reshuffle, stoking speculation about the current government’s fragility. In response,…
In a gripping encounter during the FIFA Club World Cup on 26 June 2025, Fluminense held South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns to a goalless draw, thwarting the Sundowns’ hopes of advancing to the knockout stages of the tournament. The match, hosted at Miami Gardens in Florida, unfolded under the warm embrace of mid-80s Fahrenheit temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere filled with passionate fans rallying behind both teams. For Mamelodi Sundowns, this draw marked a disappointing conclusion to their campaign in Group F, as they required a victory to progress further. Their dreams were shattered simultaneously with Borussia Dortmund’s narrow 1-0 win…
In a landmark development for connectivity in southern Africa, Lesotho has officially welcomed Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, marking the nation’s first foray into satellite-based broadband solutions. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) commenced a new era of digital transformation on April 14, 2025, when it granted Starlink a ten-year operating licence after an extensive year-long regulatory review process. This strategic partnership is a significant step in Lesotho’s broader digital transformation goals, aimed at enhancing internet access in areas traditionally neglected by conventional broadband services. Starlink is slated to offer high-speed internet to individual users and businesses across the…
The demise of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has ignited a fiery legal dispute, with the High Court in Pretoria recently issuing a halt on his burial. The Zambian government has filed a lawsuit against Lungu’s family, seeking to prevent his interment in South Africa until disagreements over his final resting place are resolved. This scenario unfolds as Makebi Zulu, the spokesperson for Lungu’s family, expresses concerns that the government may exploit the situation for its own publicity gain. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a church service, Zulu underscored the family’s desire to provide Lungu with a…
Suspended Road Accident Fund (RAF) chief executive Collins Letsoalo has taken his fight to the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, arguing the urgency of his reinstatement is fuelled by the potential irreparable harm to his reputation as his employment contract nears expiration. The court case unfolded as Letsoalo’s advocate, Pule Moshoadiba SC, articulated the profound implications of the suspension, which he claims would leave Letsoalo’s professional integrity gravely compromised if not addressed swiftly. Letsoalo has been suspended since June 3, following allegations that he failed to attend a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (SCOPA) on May 27. However, Moshoadiba…
In a striking development in the ongoing Middle East conflict, US President Donald Trump has voiced strong discontent with Israel’s military actions, urging them to halt bomb strikes and bring their pilots home immediately. This announcement follows escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran that have raised alarms for potential broader regional instability. Trump specifically blamed both nations for violating a fragile ceasefire brokered recently by the US and Qatar, but he shifted the spotlight towards Israel’s aggressive posture.Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, however, has responded defiantly, stating that Israel will continue its “intense strikes” against Iranian targets, particularly in Tehran.…
As the sweltering summer heat of the United States ignites the spirit of football, Brazilian clubs have surged ahead in this year’s Club World Cup, turning heads and reigniting pride in South American football. Despite historical misgivings about Brazilian teams in recent global tournaments, both Botafogo and Flamengo delivered resounding victories, signalling a potential renaissance for a league that was once deemed invincible against European counterparts.Botafogo manager Renato Paiva’s poignant warning that “the graveyard of football is full of ‘favourites’” resonates deeply in the wake of his team’s stunning 1-0 victory over European giants Paris Saint-Germain. Igor Jesus, who has…
The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, alongside Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Cllr. Dada Morero, addressed the media today at the Johannesburg Theatre, unveiling a significant resolution to an ongoing financial dispute between Eskom and City Power. The settlement marks a crucial step in solidifying the city’s financial stability and restoring trust with Eskom, the national power supplier.At the press briefing, Mayor Morero confirmed that the City of Johannesburg has agreed to clear a substantial R3 billion debt owed to Eskom, of which R830 million has been graciously written off as part of the resolution process. Morero expressed optimism…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken decisive action in Johannesburg by tabling motions of no confidence against both Mayor Dada Morero and Council Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu. This move stems from the party’s belief that the pair have turned the council into a “political playground” and have significantly contributed to the deterioration of service delivery in South Africa’s largest city. In a recent radio interview Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, the DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, elaborated on the party’s stance, asserting that preparations for the upcoming G20 summit have starkly revealed the extent of decline in Johannesburg’s municipal functionality. According to Kayser-Echeozonjoku, the efficiency…
US President Donald Trump has announced that Iran and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire, two weeks after they started exchanging missile strikes and two days after he bombed the Islamic Republic’s nuclear labs. The president said the ’12 day war’ will ‘end’ in 24 hours, despite both nations warning of future strikes and just hours after Tehran attacked America’s largest military base in the Middle East. He announced the ceasefire deal in a Truth Social post, claiming it is set to go into effect into six hours.While Israel and Iran have not confirmed if there is a deal, Trump…