Author: newsnote correspondent

China announced sanctions on Friday against 20 American defense companies and 10 executives, in a sharp retaliation to the United States’ approval of a record-breaking $11.15 billion arms package to Taiwan earlier this month. The measures, enacted under China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, include freezing any assets the targeted entities and individuals hold in China, prohibiting Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting business with them, and barring the executives from entering the country. Notable companies on the list include Boeing’s St. Louis operations, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, L3Harris Maritime Services, and Vantor (formerly Maxar Intelligence). Among the sanctioned individuals is Palmer…

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has reported smooth operations at the Lebombo Port of Entry following a surge in festive season travel over Christmas. Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025, more than 18,450 travellers exiting South Africa were successfully processed. Most used automated systems, while around 450 – mainly women and children – were handled manually and are now being fully captured on the Enhanced Movement Control System. No major illegal interceptions occurred in vulnerable areas on Christmas Day, thanks to increased patrols. However, 88 individuals were declared undesirable, mostly for overstaying their 90-day…

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted more than 500 Zimbabwean nationals trying to leave the country illegally via Botswana during the Christmas festive travel period. The individuals were stopped while attempting to cross unlawfully at the Groblersbrug port of entry over the past two days. They were returned to the official border post, processed and scheduled for deportation. BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato reported that traffic patterns had shifted noticeably during the festive season. On Christmas Eve, the Lebombo port of entry with Mozambique processed approximately 30,000 people, while Beitbridge – the primary crossing into Zimbabwe – handled only…

Agadir, Morocco – The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches an early high point on Friday when seven-time champions Egypt face South Africa in a top-of-the-table Group B encounter at the Stade Adrar. Both sides enter the match level on three points after identical 2-1 victories in their opening fixtures. Egypt staged a dramatic comeback against Zimbabwe, with Omar Marmoush equalising before captain Mohamed Salah struck a stoppage-time winner. South Africa, meanwhile, overcame Angola courtesy of goals from Oswin Appollis and a spectacular late effort from Burnley striker Lyle Foster. The winner of this eagerly anticipated showdown will be all…

South African consumers have collectively lost an estimated R2 billion to online scams over the past year, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC). The organisation warns that the true cost could be much higher, as many victims do not report incidents due to fear, embarrassment or lack of awareness of reporting channels. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting consumers through fake shopping websites, phishing emails, fraudulent investment platforms and social media scams, capitalising on South Africa’s growing reliance on digital transactions. With more people shopping online, particularly during peak retail periods, experts say criminals are exploiting trust and…

President Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria’s Sokoto State on Christmas Day, describing the operation as a “powerful and deadly strike” against terrorists accused of targeting and killing Christians. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” He added, “I have previously warned these Terrorists…

South Africa’s public health facilities recorded 714 babies born between midnight and midday on Christmas Day, bringing festive joy to hospitals across the country. The first Christmas baby of 2025 was welcomed at Elim Hospital in Limpopo at exactly midnight. Gauteng province recorded the highest number of births during this period, with 217 newborns delivered in public facilities. While the arrivals sparked celebrations, health authorities expressed deep concern over the persistent issue of teenage motherhood. National Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale revealed that more than 30 teenage mothers had been recorded nationwide so far, including girls as young as 15.…

Mpumalanga authorities have seized more than 2,300 vehicles in an aggressive festive season enforcement drive aimed at curbing road chaos and saving lives during the holiday rush. From December 1 to 23, the province’s Transport Inspectorate targeted offenders under the National Land Transport Act and traffic laws, impounding public transport vehicles without permits, unroadworthy rides, overloaded trucks, and those flouting safety rules. MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Thulasizwe Thomo hailed the operation as a strong deterrent. “Impounding over 2,300 vehicles sends an unequivocal message: lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated,” he stated. “Our primary duty is…

In his inaugural Christmas sermon as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, made an unusually direct appeal highlighting the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza, drawing a poignant parallel to the Nativity story during a traditionally spiritual service. Celebrating Mass before thousands in St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo reflected on Jesus’ birth in a humble stable, stating that God had “pitched his fragile tent” among humanity. “How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” he asked, evoking the makeshift shelters housing displaced families…

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released multiple batches of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein since December 19, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by President Trump. The law mandated full disclosure by December 19, but the DOJ has cited victim privacy reviews for ongoing staggered releases and extensive redactions. The third batch, dropped early December 23, includes nearly 30,000 pages—over 10,000 files totaling more than 10 gigabytes—of photos, court records, FBI documents, emails, flight logs, subpoenas, and investigative materials. Key revelations from recent releases: No “client list” or blackmail evidence: Consistent with a July…