Author: newsnote correspondent
Ermelo, Mpumalanga, will take centre stage as the nation commemorates Freedom Day. In a poignant moment for South Africa, Acting President Gwede Mantashe is set to deliver the keynote address at the annual celebration, standing in for President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is unable to attend due to ill health. Marked annually on April 27, Freedom Day is a reminder of a historic milestone in South Africa’s journey towards democracy. It commemorates the day in 1994 when non-white South Africans cast their votes for the first time in a democratic election, a pivotal moment that opened the door to a new…
The South African Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority has levied a significant administrative fine of R10 million against Absa Bank, highlighting the urgent need for rigorous compliance within the banking sector. This penalty stems from the bank’s inadequate review processes concerning a selection of high-risk clients, a critical aspect of financial diligence mandated by the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). Among the clients under scrutiny were two politically exposed persons (PEPs), four foreign prominent public officials, and three domestic influential figures. FICA dictates that banks must not only scrutinise such individuals but also closely monitor their immediate family members and associates,…
Kaizer Chiefs have secured the Diski Challenge (DDC) title, defying expectations and challenges by achieving this milestone without four of their key players. These players, goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba, defenders Gopolang Taunyana and Sifiso Timba, along with striker Naledi Hlongwane, are currently representing Amajita at the CAF 2025 AFCON Under-20 tournament in Egypt. By clinching this prestigious title, Chiefs have managed to dethrone Stellenbosch FC, the previous defending champions who, despite their efforts, fell short against Marumo Gallants with a crushing 3-0 defeat this morning at the Idas Valley Sports Ground. Stellies, known for their tactical prowess, had previously won the…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has escalated its fight against the impending Value Added Tax (VAT) increase, filing a supplementary affidavit with the Western Cape High Court in a bid to prevent it from coming into effect on May 1. This move follows alarming claims that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana purportedly sought to negotiate a settlement regarding the VAT hike that has yet to materialise. DA Federal chairperson Helen Zille announced on Saturday that crucial legal developments necessitated this supplementary filing. “The supplementary affidavit is necessary because, despite the developments of the past week, the VAT increase will still come into…
The tragic story of seven-year-old Cwecwe, who reportedly suffered the unimaginable ordeal of rape at a school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, has imploded into a broader discourse on misinformation and public accountability. Initially reported in March this year, the child’s case has since spiralled into a national conversation about the consequences of ill-informed remarks by public officials, most notably Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Mchunu recently issued an unprecedented apology after wrongly identifying Bergview College principal Jaco Pieterse as a suspect in connection with the case. The minister’s letter, addressed to AfriForum’s advocate Gerrie Nel, acknowledged that his prior public comments…
On a solemn Saturday morning, over two hundred thousand people from diverse backgrounds filled St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding areas to pay their final respects to Pope Francis during his Requiem Mass. The event was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who was joined by approximately 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and other religious leaders in this historic celebration of faith and remembrance. In his heartfelt homily, the Dean of the College of Cardinals reflected on the highlights of Pope Francis’s extraordinary 12-year Petrine Ministry, which was characterised by his close rapport with the faithful and his…
In a significant judgement that has brought a semblance of justice to the families of the victims, two rapists have been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of their appalling crimes against an elderly woman and a minor child. The North West Regional Court, sitting at the Atamelang Regional Court, was the site of this profound moment as Tlotlano Simon Monnatshitlo, 50, received a life sentence for the rape of 82-year-old Kelatlegile Angelina Phaka, who tragically passed away before the trial could commence. The case dates back to September 21, 2012, when Monnatshitlo, then 37, along with two…
In an electrifying showdown at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Orlando Pirates’ quest for continental glory ended in heartbreak as they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League semifinals on Friday night. The Buccaneers, who last lifted the prestigious trophy three decades ago, were tantalisingly close to returning to the final but saw their dreams dashed in a match that showcased the highs and lows of African club football. Having battled to a goalless draw in the opening leg at FNB Stadium, the Pirates appeared poised to make an impact in Cairo. Yet,…
Mamelodi Sundowns have advanced to the CAF Champions League final after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Al Ahly in the second leg of the semi-finals. The outcome was all but sealed by an unfortunate own goal from Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim, propelling Sundowns into a final for the first time since their historic triumph in 2016. The encounter was marked by fervent pace and high stakes as both sides aimed to clinch a spot in the coveted final. Mamelodi Sundowns showcased their tenacity and determination to secure an aggregate scoreline that could take them past the formidable Egyptian giants.…
The world is coming together in mourning as the funeral of Pope Francis is set to take place today. At the age of 88, the beloved pontiff succumbed to a stroke that left him in a coma, following a recent recovery from a severe bout of double pneumonia. His last public appearance was just a day prior, where he blessed thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, sparking wild cheers and applause. The funeral will commence at 10:00 local time, beginning with a solemn procession where Archbishops and bishops will assemble in the Constantine Wing adjacent to St…