Author: newsnote correspondent

Officials from the United States and Iran convened in Geneva on Thursday, aiming to resolve the long-standing nuclear dispute that has escalated tensions in the Middle East. With the spectre of military action looming following a substantial US military buildup in the region, both parties are hoping to reach a negotiated solution to their enduring stalemate over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. This latest round of discussions comes on the heels of renewed negotiations earlier this month, as Washington, European allies, and Israel remain concerned that Iran’s nuclear programme is a front for developing nuclear weapons—a claim that Tehran steadfastly denies. The…

To combat the escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, Gauteng’s MEC for Agriculture, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, announced the large-scale rollout of newly secured vaccines during a media briefing on the province’s foot-and-mouth rapid response plan. The alarming rise in confirmed cases, now standing at 228—an increase of 55 since January—has prompted the province to ramp up its efforts to safeguard the agricultural sector. With over 260,000 animals reported to have been affected by the outbreak across the province, Ramokgopa emphasised that the recent surge in confirmed cases can be attributed to intensified surveillance and active case finding rather than an uncontrolled spread…

In a devastating turn of events for the mining community in the Northern Cape, over 1,000 workers have found themselves jobless as Ekapa Minerals Mine has been placed under liquidation. This announcement follows a tragic incident last Tuesday when a mud rush trapped five miners underground, subsequently leading to halted operations across the site and heightened concerns about worker safety and welfare. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has voiced its distress over the sudden liquidation and has committed to pursuing legal action to seek a viable resolution for the affected workforce. Numsa, which represents a significant…

In a historic moment at the U.S. Capitol, President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second non-consecutive term on February 24. Clocking in at nearly 1 hour and 48 minutes, it marked the longest such speech in American history, surpassing previous records. The address, themed around America’s impending 250th anniversary of independence, painted a picture of national resurgence under Trump’s leadership, focusing on economic revival, border security, energy independence, and foreign policy triumphs. Amid a divided Congress, Trump touted his administration’s achievements while criticising Democrats and outlining future priorities. This comprehensive article breaks down…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech today (February 25, 2026) delivered a much-needed dose of positivity after last year’s political turbulence over VAT hikes. The tone was upbeat, crediting reforms, stronger revenue, and disciplined spending for putting public finances on a firmer footing. No major tax increases, some relief for households, and a focus on efficiency—it’s a “turning point” budget, as Treasury describes it. Key Fiscal Numbers at a Glance Here’s a quick snapshot of the main projections: Metric2025/26 (Revised)2026/272027/282028/29Real GDP Growth1.4%1.6%1.8%2.0%Budget Deficit (% GDP)4.5%4.0%3.1%~3.0%Gross Debt (% GDP)78.9% (peak)77.3%76.8%76.5%Primary Surplus (% GDP)0.9%1.6%1.9%2.3%Total Spending-R2.67 trillion– Sources: National Treasury 2026 Budget Review.…

Pope Leo will travel to four African countries from April 13 to 23 in his first major overseas trip of 2026, the Vatican announced Wednesday, underscoring the Church’s growing focus on a continent where Catholicism is expanding rapidly. The pontiff will visit Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, where he is expected to draw large crowds, encourage global support for development, and promote dialogue between Christians and Muslims. The Africa tour follows a one-day visit to Monaco scheduled for March 28 and a June 6–12 trip to Spain that will include the Canary Islands, a key arrival point for migrants…

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa has launched a priority investigation into nine major suppliers of sanitary pads and panty liners following alarming findings from a University of the Free State (UFS) study. Released in February 2026, the research analysed 16 popular sanitary pad brands and 8 panty liner varieties available in local stores, revealing the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in every tested product—even those labeled as “organic” or “chemical-free.” These EDCs, including phthalates, bisphenols like BPA, and parabens, were detected in low concentrations but raise significant concerns due to repeated exposure through skin and mucosal contact.…

Accused number two in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, Bongani Ntanzi, has rejected claims that he possessed or used a cellphone while in prison custody following his arrest in June 2020. Ntanzi is one of five men standing trial at the High Court in Pretoria for the 2014 killing of the former Bafana Bafana captain. The matter returned to court as the State continued leading evidence related to alleged communications linked to Ntanzi after his arrest. State prosecutor George Baloyi presented phone records that he said indicate communication between Ntanzi, a legal representative and family members months after Ntanzi was…

A boost in tax revenue has given the National Treasury scope to introduce the first inflation-linked tax relief since the 2023/24 financial year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said revenue for the current financial year is expected to exceed earlier projections, supported by stronger Value-Added Tax collections and higher platinum and gold prices. Tabling the 2026 Budget in Parliament in Cape Town, Godongwana said improved revenue performance enabled government to scrap R20 billion in planned tax increases. “The improving fiscal position allows us enough room to withdraw the proposed tax increases without putting fiscal sustainability or economic activity at risk. We…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver South Africa’s 2026 National Budget Speech, in Parliament, where he will outline National Treasury’s plans for raising revenue, allocating scarce resources to government priorities, and addressing the nation’s sovereign debt and escalating debt service costs. Amid a backdrop of improved economic indicators, including surging gold and platinum prices, a strengthened rand, and better-than-expected tax collections, analysts anticipate a focus on fiscal discipline rather than sweeping tax changes. The budget comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s largest economy, with GDP growth projections for 2026 ranging from 1.2% to 1.4%, signaling cautious optimism…