Author: newsnote correspondent
South Africa’s economy narrowly dodged contraction in the first quarter of 2025, with a modest growth of 0.1% reported by Statistics South Africa. This figure marks a decrease from 0.4% in the previous quarter, signalling persistent concerns among economists about the country’s economic trajectory. Experts have been quick to voice their unease in the wake of these statistics. Maarten Ackerman, chief economist and advisory partner at Citadel, called the growth figures “not something to celebrate,” noting a troubling pattern of prolonged recession in per capita terms, with full-year growth projected at a mere 0.8%. Despite the overall dampened outlook, there…
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, a controversial new aid distribution system has come under intense scrutiny following the tragic deaths of dozens of Palestinians near aid distribution compounds. The most alarming reports have emerged from the Swedish Village compound in the south-west of the Gaza Strip, where at least 64 individuals have lost their lives while seeking vital assistance in just over a week. The new aid regimen, introduced on 27 May, replaces the previously UN-managed system that delivered food and medical supplies from multiple points across the territory. Israel justifies the change by alleging that aid was…
The South African Football Association (SAFA) found itself in the spotlight on Tuesday as it appeared before the Sports Portfolio Committee to discuss a range of matters, key among them the implementation of the much-anticipated Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. With crucial decisions hanging in the balance, early discussions focused heavily on the estimated costs and timelines surrounding this technology. Currently briefing parliament on its 2023/24 annual financial statements, governance issues, and updates on national teams, SAFA also faced inquiries into the leadership of President Dr. Danny Jordaan, particularly against the backdrop of allegations regarding the association’s financial management, notably…
As the highly publicised Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resumed on Monday at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, the defence expressed mounting frustration over the absence of crucial vehicle tracking data, which they believe is critical to their case. The defence team, representing accused number one, Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, and accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi, has been persistently seeking automatic vehicle locator (AVL) data linked to the arrests of the two men back in 2020. Both Sibiya and Ntanzi have alleged that they were assaulted and coerced into confessing their involvement in the murder while in police custody, claiming they were…
South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe continues to make waves on the financial front, as recent assessments indicate a $200 million increase in his net worth during May, bringing his fortune to an impressive $3.2 billion, according to Forbes’ real-time billionaire tracker. Currently ranked 1,199th among the world’s richest, Motsepe’s wealth reflects his strategic ventures across various sectors including mining, finance, digital banking, and sports leadership. The latest surge in Motsepe’s net worth aligns closely with the performance of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), the mining company he founded and currently chairs. In May, ARM experienced modest stock growth, rising from ZAR…
Heinrich Klaasen, one of the nation’s most explosive batsmen, has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. At the age of 33, Klaasen’s departure marks a significant loss for South Africa, particularly as the team gears up for co-hosting duties in the much-anticipated 2027 Cricket World Cup where he was expected to be a key player and crowd favourite. Klaasen, renowned for his destructive batting style in white-ball cricket, has been a vital component of the South African limited-overs squad in recent years. His record speaks volumes; with an impressive average of 43.69, alongside four centuries and 11…
In a grim discovery that has sent shockwaves through the community, the mutilated body of a 14-year-old girl was found in Roodepoort, Gauteng, on Sunday. Police have launched a murder investigation following the alarming finding, which is reminiscent of previous violent crimes in the area. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the body was unearthed in an open veld by a passer-by who prompted authorities to investigate. “The police are investigating a case of murder following the discovery of a body of a 14-year-old teenage girl at Durban Deep,” she stated. The incident has drawn significant attention and concern,…
Criminals have been impersonating Postbank officials to rob vulnerable SASSA social grant beneficiaries directly in their homes. This alarming trend has raised red flags for many of those relying on these essential funds during challenging financial times. The warning comes from Postbank spokesperson Bongani Diako, who emphasised the urgency for beneficiaries using the Black Cards and SASSA Gold Cards to remain vigilant against an increase in fraudulent activities targeting their PINs and card information. “The recent scam involves fraudsters posing as Postbank officials visiting the homes of social grant beneficiaries,” Diako explained. “These scammers manipulate their victims into handing over…
Multiple military airbases deep within Russia have been significantly impacted by UAV drone attacks, a pivotal development amid the backdrop of imminent peace talks set to commence in Istanbul on Monday. The Ukrainian operation, which is being hailed as one of its most ambitious to date, has captured the attention of military analysts globally. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, drone strikes targeted strategic military airfields across five regions on Sunday—Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur—resulting in several aircraft catching fire. While the majority of attacks were successfully repelled, the incidents in Murmansk and Irkutsk led to several aircraft losses.…
At least seven people were killed and 69 others injured when two bridges were blown up in the Bryansk and Kursk regions of Russia, as tensions escalated ahead of planned peace negotiations aimed at ending the protracted war in Ukraine. The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed today that both incidents are linked, asserting that they were deliberate acts of sabotage. The Bryansk incident occurred shortly after 10:50 pm (1950 GMT) last night when a highway bridge over a railway collapsed precisely as the Klimovo-Moscow passenger train, carrying 388 people, passed underneath. Eyewitness accounts and alarming social media footage depicted the chaos…