Author: newsnote correspondent

Central Durban has found itself grappling with significant challenges this Friday morning, as torrential rains have led to widespread localized flooding, causing travel disruptions and safety concerns across the region. Numerous reports highlight hazardous conditions on key routes, prompting warnings from authorities urging motorists to remain vigilant. According to Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, the impact of the heavy rainfall is palpable: “On the N3 near Brickfield, there’s a lot of flooding. On the N2 south, large puddles are forming. We also have reports of a multiple vehicle collision as a result of water puddles on the M4 near…

MTN Group announced it has experienced a cybersecurity incident that resulted in “unauthorised access to personal information of some MTN customers in certain markets”. In a short note published overnight the operator said that an unknown third-party has claimed to have accessed data linked to parts of its systems. At this stage MTN said it did not have any information to suggest that customers’ accounts and wallets have been directly compromised.The group immediately activated its cybersecurity response processes including informing the South African Police Service and the Hawks in South Africa. MTN was keen to stress that there was no…

As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, Rome is preparing to host a monumental funeral that will converge dignitaries and sorrowful crowds. With over 200,000 people expected to gather in St. Peter’s Square tomorrow, the city is implementing a modern security strategy encompassing everything from river patrols on the Tiber to advanced surveillance drones and trained snipers positioned strategically around the iconic square. The magnitude of the event has prompted an extensive response from law enforcement and security personnel. Rome’s police chief, Roberto Massucci, highlighted the challenge of…

South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a reversal of the highly contentious 0.5% VAT increase proposed during the recent budget presentation. This decision, which requires all businesses that have already loaded the increased VAT on customer invoices to reverse it by May 1, results from extensive consultations with political parties as asserted by the National Treasury. The decision not to proceed with the VAT hike is projected to lead to an estimated revenue shortfall of approximately R75 billion over the medium term. Godongwana, however, sought to reassure the public by stating that Parliament would be asked to adjust expenditure…

African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula underscored the importance of constructive discussions as the party navigates the legislative landscape following the budgetary vote. At a media briefing attended by representatives from 11 political parties that supported the passing of the budget amidst proposed reforms, a shift towards collaboration beyond the confines of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The ANC’s renewed spirit of dialogue comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) voiced opposition to a half-percentage-point increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), a proposal that has now been shelved. This reversal, while welcomed by the youth of Johannesburg, sparked…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he has made significant adjustments to his scheduled visit to South Africa due to the recent wave of devastating Russian airstrikes that struck Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine the previous day. The attacks have left a harrowing toll, with reports indicating that over 80 people have sustained injuries and at least nine lives have been lost, including those in the capital, Kyiv. “As of this moment, over 80 people have been injured across Ukraine. Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance. Regrettably, 9 people have been killed in Kyiv. My condolences go…

The South African courts witnessed a pivotal moment yesterday as the State concluded its case in the high-profile Joshlin Smith matter. Accused individuals Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn made the startling decision to not give evidence or call any witnesses, a move that has left many in legal circles pondering the ramifications of their silence. As proceedings progressed, the State called Colonel Riaan Morris from the provincial Commercial Crimes Unit to the stand. He presented six disturbing videos to the court, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Smith’s disappearance. Among these, one video showed Kelly Smith on Sunday,…

In the midst of a highly-publicised doping controversy, Briton Jack Draper has come forward to defend world number one tennis player Jannik Sinner, asserting that the Italian does not deserve the negative scrutiny he has received following his recent three-month ban. The situation has drawn attention after Sinner accepted a suspension in February as part of an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which had appealed a tribunal’s earlier decision that cleared him following two positive tests. The 23-year-old Sinner, a three-time Grand Slam champion, has not stepped onto the court since his triumph at the Australian Open in…

Pope Francis’ body will be moved to St Peter’s Basilica today to allow Catholic faithful to pay their final respects ahead of a funeral expected to bring US President Donald Trump and dozens of other world leaders to Rome. Francis, a groundbreaking reformer, died aged 88 on Monday from a stroke and cardiac arrest, ending an often turbulent 12-year reign in which he repeatedly clashed with traditionalists and championed the poor and marginalised. His body, lying in an open casket, was set to be taken from the chapel of the Vatican residence where he lived to St Peter’s, entering through the central…

Jacob Zuma, the president of the MK Party, has firmly rejected a proposal from the African National Congress (ANC) to join the Government of National Unity (GNU). This revelation comes from a leaked audio recording which has sparked significant interest and debate within political circles. The audio reveals that the ANC extended an offer to the MK Party, suggesting positions not only within the GNU but also in the Government of Provincial Unity in KwaZulu-Natal. However, Zuma’s response was unequivocally dismissive. “Even though Thabo Mbeki and I were once friends, we’ve drifted apart. I’m making a point here, speaking about…