Author: newsnote correspondent

In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, thirty learners were rushed to Gelukspan Hospital near Lichtenburg in North West after a collision involving their school bus and a minibus taxi. The unfortunate event occurred as both vehicles were transporting a total of 80 learners from RA Kobue Secondary School. According to the Department of Community Safety, the distressing accident involved a bus carrying 65 students and a taxi with 15. Reports indicate that the taxi, laden with learners and educators heading to the same school, made an abrupt stop after overtaking the bus, leading to the…

The recent announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana of a 16 cents per litre increase in the fuel levy has elicited a wave of mixed reactions from South Africa’s automotive industry as it grapples with the ramifications of the fiscal move. The Automobile Association (AA), a prominent voice within the sector, responded cautiously to the levy increase. While acknowledging the government’s fiscal constraints, the AA expressed concern over the immediate impact that this decision will have on consumers and the wider economy. “Fuel is a critical input cost across all sectors of the economy; any increase inevitably drives up transport…

The struggle for equality in South Africa has lost a formidable voice with the passing of ANC stalwart and veteran activist Getrude Shope, affectionately known as Ma-Shope, who died peacefully at her home in Gauteng at the age of 99. The news of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the nation, commemorating her lifelong dedication to the fight against apartheid and her pivotal contributions to the African National Congress (ANC). Born in Johannesburg but raised in Zimbabwe, Shope’s educational journey began with her training as a teacher. Her passion for education saw her teaching in Natal…

Social media has erupted in criticism after South Africa’s delegation to a meeting with US President Donald Trump was deemed largely ineffective, with key ministers—Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Ronald Lamola, and Parks Tau—labelled as “useless” for their silence during a crucial discussion. The meeting, held at the White House on Wednesday, was attended by a mix of prominent political, business, and public figures, yet the murmurs of discontent are echoing far louder than any voices of reason. At the heart of the critique was a heated discourse on land expropriation, a contentious issue in South Africa that has stirred significant debate both…

Only minor adjustments were made to South Africa’s spending plans and deficit projections in a third budget presented on Wednesday that was overshadowed by a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump later in the day. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana had to appear before lawmakers in Cape Town for a third time after disagreements in the ruling coalition derailed two previous budget versions. The new budget, which the DA said it should be able to support, projected a consolidated budget deficit of 4.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the fiscal year that started on April 1,…

In a politically charged development, the recent inclusion of South African business magnates in a delegation to meet with US President Donald Trump has ignited a heated debate on sovereignty and the influence of private wealth in international relations. Key figures in this dialogue are accused of undermining the narrative of a genocide against white Afrikaners in South Africa, a claim that Trump appears to champion. During an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula acknowledged Trump’s pivotal role in shaping the composition of the delegation, noting that Trump specifically requested the inclusion of…

This latest budgetary revision reflects the ongoing challenges facing South Africa as it attempts to navigate a complex economic landscape and address the pressing issues of fiscal sustainability and growth. As the government grapples with internal disagreements and external pressures, the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty for South Africa’s economic future. In a striking reversal, South Africa’s National Treasury announced on Wednesday that the country’s budget deficit is set to widen, alongside increased public debt levels. This adjustment follows the government’s decision to abandon a planned increase in value-added tax (VAT), further complicating the nation’s fiscal landscape. The announcement…

This afternoon, South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, will return to Parliament to re-table the 2025 Budget Review, reiterating a commitment to maintaining fiscal stability while adjusting important tax policies. The session is set to take place during a plenary meeting in the National Assembly at the Cape Town International Convention Centre at 2 PM. In a significant turn of events, Minister Godongwana recently announced his intention to keep the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate unchanged at 15 percent, reversing a prior proposal for a 0.5 percentage point increase put forth in the initial budget presented on 12 March. “The revised…

As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares for a significant bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday at approximately 5.30 pm, hopes are high for a new chapter in South Africa’s relationship with the United States. The backdrop of this meeting is a complex tapestry of economic aspirations and diplomatic dialogue, which both leaders aim to refine during their discussions. Chief Diplomat Ronald Lamola, who is part of the South African delegation, conveyed optimism during a press briefing, stating, “We are looking forward to resetting what we describe as a mutually beneficial relationship.” The delegation, which includes a quartet of…

Several prominent organisations, including Section 27, Blind SA, and the Information Association of South Africa, are preparing to make compelling submissions at the Constitutional Court. The groups are advocating for the Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) to be passed and declared constitutional, amidst concerns stemming from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to return the amended Bill to the court for review, citing potential unconstitutionality in certain provisions. The upcoming court proceedings will address not only the CAB but also the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill, both of which aim to improve accessibility to creative works for individuals with disabilities, educators, and artists. The…