Author: newsnote correspondent
In a surprising announcement during a video interview at the Qatar Economic Forum, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk stated that he plans to significantly reduce his political contributions in the foreseeable future, marking a notable shift from his recent role as a key benefactor for the US Republican Party. Musk, who has invested nearly $300 million in political support over the past year, expressed a sense of satisfaction with his previous expenditure, saying simply, “I think I’ve done enough.” The comment drew laughter from the audience, leaving it unclear whether he was serious or jesting. When pressed by Bloomberg’s Mishal Husain…
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with United States President Donald Trump in Washington DC on Wednesday, with Johann Rupert, the nation’s richest man, potentially in the delegation. Rupert, a prominent Afrikaner businessman with substantial investments in South African farming, has been instrumental in facilitating this high-profile meeting, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. The backdrop of this engagement is significant. The South African government is currently reeling from an executive order issued by Trump on 7 February that cut off all funding to the country—an unprecedented move that has serious implications for essential areas…
In a heated response to UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s recent call for an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the demand as an endorsement of terrorism. Speaking in a joint statement alongside France and Canada, Starmer threatened “concrete actions” against Israel unless it ceases its renewed offensive and lifts restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the beleaguered enclave.Netanyahu vehemently rejected Starmer’s appeal, asserting that asking Israel to stop its military response before Hamas is dismantled would merely reward the terrorist organisation for its actions during the October 7 attacks that resulted in…
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s eagerly anticipated meeting with United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday presents a significant opportunity to revitalise the relationship between South Africa and the US. As he touched down in Washington on Monday afternoon, a resolute and optimistic Ramaphosa prepared to engage on vital trade issues, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening ties across the Atlantic. Vincent Magwenya, the president’s spokesperson, indicated that the upcoming discussions would serve as a platform to refocus trade relations, particularly under the auspices of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This legislation has been crucial to South Africa’s economic landscape, granting…
The US dollar traded sideways on Tuesday, following a week of declines stirred by the Federal Reserve’s prudent outlook on the economy and mounting fears regarding a potential widening of the nation’s fiscal deficit. After experiencing a broad sell-off on Monday, the greenback remained under pressure, reflecting ongoing market apprehensions surrounding the country’s economic stability. Analysts are now particularly focused on a pivotal vote taking place in Washington regarding President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax cuts, which are projected to add between $3 trillion and $5 trillion to an already staggering national debt of $36.2 trillion. Concerns prompted last week’s downgrade…
Thousands of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters filled the streets of Pretoria on Thursday as they marched from the Union Buildings to the National Treasury office, voicing their triumph over a recent legal victory that halted a proposed VAT increase. At the forefront of the march, EFF leader Julius Malema did not hold back in expressing his doubts about Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s forthcoming budget speech, claiming it is likely to be “another lie” that fails to address the pressing economic needs of South Africa. Malema, addressing a passionate crowd, raised concerns that the budget speech would lack concrete plans…
The ongoing case against Imanuwela David, Froliana Joseph, and her brother Ndilinasho Joseph, in connection with the infamous break-in and theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm, has been postponed following a medical condition of one of the accused. The matter returned to court yesterday, prompting fresh attention to the high-profile incident that has captivated the nation. Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed that the trial has been rescheduled for September 15, with a projected commencement date extending to October 8, 2025 in the Modimolle Regional Court. Despite the NPA’s readiness…
A police sergeant connected to the high-profile murder case of footballer Senzo Meyiwa was the victim of an armed robbery in Lombardy East, Johannesburg. According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the sergeant was accosted shortly after midnight while in his official vehicle. The suspects attempted to force him into the boot of their car, but showing remarkable courage, he managed to fend them off and escape. During the robbery, several items were stolen from the officer, including a state-issued firearm with ammunition, a police reflector jacket, and a laptop bag that contained a laptop, USB drives, and photocopies of documentation pertaining…
The Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, is at the centre of a growing controversy after her accusations against trade union Solidarity and civil rights group AfriForum sparked a legal battle over alleged defamation. As tensions mount, Solidarity has issued a seven-day ultimatum for the minister to retract her claims and offer an unconditional apology for the reputational damage they allege her statement has caused. Solidarity’s CEO, Dirk Hermann, revealed that the union has initiated legal proceedings against Ntshavheni following her inflammatory remarks, which she made during a media briefing on March 27, 2025. In that statement, she accused both…
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso is on the brink of leaving South Africa, a development that signals the potential conclusion of a complex legal saga that has spanned nearly a decade. Following his voluntary decision to be deported, Omotoso’s departure comes after his recent re-arrest on 10 May by immigration authorities in East London. The Department of Home Affairs has deemed Omotoso a prohibited person, asserting that his continued presence in South Africa is unlawful. This decision arrives on the heels of a high-profile trial that captivated the nation, during which Omotoso faced a staggering array of charges, including rape, human…