Author: newsnote correspondent
South Africa’s Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister, Parks Tau, stepped in at the last minute to avert a potential shutdown of the National Lottery. This unexpected move followed intense discussions with representatives from the National Lottery Commission (NLC) and Ithuba, the current operator of the lottery. The crisis was triggered by a ruling from the Gauteng High Court, which stipulated that Ithuba’s operating licence could only be extended for five months. This temporary measure was intended to bridge the gap until Sizekhaya Holdings, the new preferred operator, assumed control. However, the NLC argued for a longer 12-month extension to facilitate…
In a night to forget for South African football, Mamelodi Sundowns’ dreams of playing at the FIFA Club World Cup came crashing down, as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Egypt’s Pyramids FC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. With a composite score of 3-2, the loss marks a significant disappointment for Sundowns, who were expected to challenge for the prestigious African title. The match kicked off amid a tense atmosphere, with both teams visibly struggling to find their rhythm following a tightly contested first leg that ended…
Poppy Mongale shared her cherished memories of her daughter Olorato, who was brutally murdered last Sunday in Lombardy West, Johannesburg. The 30-year-old’s untimely death has ignited a renewed discussion about the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa, with many lamenting the loss of yet another promising life to violent crime. Speaking at her daughter’s funeral held in Bloemfontein, Poppy expressed her grief while highlighting Olorato’s indomitable spirit, recalling the poignant moment she first saw her daughter’s lifeless body at the mortuary. “She fought for her life. You could see it in her broken nails,” Poppy reflected, her voice…
In a significant development in the ongoing murder investigation of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, a second suspect has voluntarily surrendered to authorities in KwaZulu-Natal. Eyewitness News has confirmed that the unidentified man arrived at the KwaMashu police station this afternoon, seeking to take responsibility for his alleged involvement in the harrowing case. This latest turn of events follows the death of the primary suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was fatally shot by police during an incident in Amanzimtoti in the early hours of Friday. Makhanya’s demise has raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding Mongale’s tragic death, which has captivated the nation…
In the small community of Bergville, former Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Michael Buthelezi has been sentenced to four terms of life imprisonment and an additional 15 years for his part in a tragic fire that killed his fiancée and three children. The brutal incident took place on 29 October 2023, and the court’s ruling serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and crime. The 48-year-old Buthelezi was found guilty of four counts of murder, arson, and two counts of defeating the ends of justice by the Ladysmith Regional Court. The sentencing on Friday, May 30,…
The Everest Group has allegedly claimed responsibility for a significant data breach involving Mediclinic Southern Africa, one of the country’s leading private health service providers. The gang alleges it has exfiltrated a staggering 4GB of sensitive information, including the personal details of approximately 1,000 employees, raising alarms over data security in the healthcare sector. Mediclinic operates a network of acute care private hospitals across South Africa and Namibia and is partially owned by Johann Rupert’s investment company, Remgro. Screenshots on the Everest Group’s dark web leak site have purportedly revealed that the attackers gained privileged access to Mediclinic’s human resources…
Residents of an apartment complex in Amanzimtoti, located south of Durban, are reeling after a dramatic police shootout resulted in the death of Philangenkosi Makhanya, a key suspect in the murder of Olorato Mongale, a 30-year-old master’s student. The shocking incident unfolded as police pursued Makhanya, one of three individuals wanted in connection with the recent violent crime that has left the community distressed. Makhanya was killed on Thursday during a confrontation with law enforcement agents, sparking fear and concern among the residents of the complex where the shootout occurred. Many have expressed their disbelief and anxiety over the extent…
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has opted to exclude all players from Kaizer Chiefs in his squad for the upcoming international friendlies. This decision, announced on Thursday, comes after a disappointing season for the Chiefs, who failed to finish within the top eight of the Betway Premiership for the second consecutive year. Broos’s squad is dominated by players from Orlando Pirates, including exciting first-time call-ups such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota, Simphiwe Selepe, and Deano Van Rooyen. His decision to overlook the once-prominent Kaizer Chiefs players—Yusuf Maart, Bruce Bvuma, and Mduduzi Shabalala, who were part of the preliminary selection—raises…
In a much-anticipated move, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced on Thursday a reduction in the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down from 7.50% to 7.25%. This decision marks a targeted attempt to provide relief to borrowers as the country confronts persistent economic challenges, including sluggish growth and heightened unemployment rates. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made the decision unanimously, although one member expressed a desire for a more substantial cut of 0.5%. Kganyago underscored the bank’s cautious approach, stating, “The outlook for structural reforms remains positive, but there are also headwinds like…
The day the entire nation has been waiting for has finally arrived. The Western Cape High Court is set to deliver its verdict in the highly anticipated case surrounding the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, a case that has not only captivated public attention but has also sparked vital discussions surrounding the pressing issue of human trafficking in South Africa. On Thursday, the three accused—Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith—will learn their fate as they face serious charges, including human trafficking and kidnapping. The atmosphere is charged with emotion as the fate of these individuals hangs in the…