Author: newsnote correspondent
In a recent session of the National Assembly, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that his department is currently embroiled in seven legal cases, primarily concerning the contentious National Health Insurance (NHI) Act and the National Health Act. These litigations come with a staggering cost of R9.1 million paid thus far, raising significant concerns about the financial implications for an already strained healthcare system. During a question-and-answer session, Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Michele Clarke probed Motsoaledi about the total expenses tied to the litigation and the potential financial liabilities stemming from adverse cost orders. The Minister clarified that since…
As Johannesburg prepares for a transformative budget speech on Wednesday, finance MMC Margaret Arnolds finds herself at the centre of considerable anticipation and scrutiny. Political parties are voicing their hopes for the budget, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development and the revitalisation of the inner city. However, looming over the proceedings is a contentious issue: the R200 electricity surcharge imposed on prepaid customers, which many residents and political leaders hope to see abolished. The budget speech, scheduled for midday, is expected to shed light on how the city plans to allocate its financial resources in the coming year. ActionSA…
As Sudan grapples with the prolonged impacts of civil unrest, it now stands “on the brink” of a public health disaster, with an alarming surge in cholera and other deadly diseases, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The nation, ravaged by conflict for nearly three years, is witnessing a rapid deterioration in its health infrastructure and a corresponding rise in fatal infections. Recent figures from Sudan’s Health Ministry have revealed that at least 172 people have succumbed to cholera within just one week, with the majority of new infections concentrated in the beleaguered Khartoum state. This grim statistic underscores…
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar and one of football’s most iconic figures, has sent ripples through the football community with a mysterious social media post hinting at his departure from Al-Nassr. The 40-year-old forward, who made headlines upon joining the Saudi Arabian club in January 2023, is on the brink of becoming a free agent, with his contract expiring next month. Ronaldo capped off his season with a bittersweet farewell, scoring the opener in a 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh, marking the 800th club goal of his illustrious career. In his post on X, formerly Twitter, he reflected, “This chapter is…
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has sounded the alarm over the One Stop Border Bill, warning that its lack of clarity regarding the management of illegal migration and the expedited movement of goods could jeopardise local employment, businesses, and critical public service funding. The federation’s concerns were amplified during recent submissions to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, where it was joined by the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office to voice its apprehensions about increasing corruption at border posts. Matthew Parks, Cosatu’s Parliamentary spokesperson, articulated the federation’s dissatisfaction regarding the bill’s failure to distinctly outline the responsibilities of…
The high-profile murder trial of late Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has encountered yet another setback, as the Pretoria High Court announced a postponement to Monday next week. This delay comes at the request of state prosecutor Advocate George Baloyi, who emphasised the necessity of gathering additional crucial evidence related to Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data associated with the vehicles used during the arrest of the accused. During proceedings, Advocate Baloyi articulated the significance of this critical evidence, asserting its potential to bolster the prosecution’s case against the five men charged with Meyiwa’s murder. “This contains tracker data about vehicles…
In a chilling revelation during the sentencing proceedings of the Joshlin Smith kidnapping trial, a human trafficking expert from the US has testified that little Joshlin was likely sold for exploitation as part of a premeditated plan. This assertion was made by Dr Marcel van der Watt, who has over two decades of experience in tackling human trafficking and was called upon by the court to provide insights into the disturbing nature of the case. Joshlin, a seven-year-old girl, went missing on February 19, 2024, and has not yet been located. Her disappearance has raised concerns within the community and…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the ongoing struggle associated with the use of race-based terminology in South Africa’s official records. During an in-depth dialogue about economic growth and the rising cost of living, he underscored the complex legacy of apartheid that still resonates within the nation. Ramaphosa responded to inquiries on the sensitive topic of racial classifications still prevalent in national surveys and statistical reports, maintaining that despite the discomfort they evoke, these terms are necessary for gauging the nation’s advancement in addressing historical and structural inequalities. He stated, “The use of race-based terminology will always be difficult for a…
A woman’s body has been discovered in Lombardy West, north of Johannesburg, following what was reportedly a date with her alleged assailant. Olorato Mongale, aged 30, was last seen on Sunday when she was picked up by a man in a white Volkswagen Polo from a residential complex located in Athol. The harrowing revelations from police suggest Mongale was driven through the bustling suburbs of Alexandra and Kew before her body was discarded in Lombardy West. The circumstances surrounding her death have left many in the local community reeling as authorities race against time to locate her killer. In a…
The acting director-general of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Nomthandazo Moyo, emphatically stated that claims of state-sanctioned violence against white citizens are unfounded. Speaking during the opening of the G20 Development Working Group on Sunday, Moyo addressed the pressing issues of development and crime, while reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusivity across all racial divides. As crime continues to be a universal challenge, Moyo stressed that it affects everyone, regardless of location. “Every country deals with crime issues. Public safety is something that impacts us all, whether we are in the south, the north or the…