Author: newsnote correspondent

Deputy President Paul Mashatile addressed a gathering at the Ahmed Kathrada Legacy Business Breakfast in Illovo, Gauteng, where he issued a stark warning against escalating tariff wars, following recent tariff hikes announced by US President Donald Trump. Speaking to business leaders and stakeholders, Mashatile advocated for a measured, diplomatic response to the complex dynamics of international trade relations. In his remarks, Mashatile pointed out that the South African government opted for engagement rather than retaliation in light of Trump’s protectionist policies under the “Make America Great Again” banner. He stated, “Imposing retaliatory tariffs against the US would hurt consumers.” His…

At the Western Cape High Court, the unfolding saga surrounding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith took another dramatic turn on Monday. The court, temporarily relocated to the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha Bay, heard disturbingly detailed testimonies concerning the alleged confessions of two of the accused in the high-profile case that has gripped the nation. Warrant Officer Heinrich Schmidlin opened the proceedings with critical disclosures about Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, the boyfriend of Joshlin’s mother, Racquel “Kelly” Smith. Schmidlin testified that he was instructed to escort Appollis for a medical examination following his confession on March 5, just weeks…

Long-shot efforts to uncover survivors from Myanmar’s devastating earthquake on March 28 have come to a close, paving the way for increasing relief and recovery activities as the death toll exceeds 3,500 and continues to rise. As families navigate the wreckage, the nation faces the grim reality of its latest natural disaster amid ongoing civil unrest. In the capital, Naypyitaw, residents braved drizzling rain to clear debris from their damaged homes, while military personnel worked tirelessly to remove the remains of collapsed structures, including Buddhist monasteries. Tragedy was compounded on Monday as the Myanmar Fire Services Department reported the recovery…

Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of more than 30 individuals in Gaza, including a tragic toll of women and children, according to local health officials. The strikes overnight into Sunday targeted residential areas in Khan Younis, where ten lives—comprising five men, five women, and five children—were claimed, as confirmed by Nasser Hospital, which received the grim casualties. The assault continued later on Sunday when an Israeli airstrike struck a tent just outside Nasser Hospital, killing at least two people and injuring six others, including several journalists. Disturbing footage from the scene captured a journalist engulfed in flames following…

The recent decision by President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on most US trading partners marks a significant departure from nearly three decades of American trade policy aimed at fostering economic development in Africa. These new tariffs, which could reach as high as 50% for countries like Lesotho, threaten to undermine the longstanding African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). Enacted in May 2000 under President Bill Clinton, AGOA provided many of the poorest African nations with duty-free access to the US market—a lifeline for their economies. A White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that these…

In a significant address during a media briefing at Chiawelo in Soweto, President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that the recently proposed increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) is not yet set in stone. With the National Treasury given a 30-day window to explore alternative funding options, the President emphasised that discussions are ongoing following the budget vote that witnessed opposition from parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU).Despite the uncertainty surrounding the potential VAT hike, Ramaphosa expressed an air of realism, suggesting that scrapping the VAT increase is unlikely. “The resolution that was taken by the finance committee is that there…

It was an emotional and historic day for Noko Matlou, the celebrated stalwart of South Africa’s women’s football team, Banyana Banyana. The 39-year-old defender, who made headlines as the first South African woman to be honoured with the Women’s CAF African Player of the Year award, displayed a commanding performance as the team prepared for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Matlou, who captained the side in their friendly match against Malawi, helped lead Banyana Banyana to a comprehensive 3-0 victory at the UJ Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon. The match, which was more than just…

South Africa’s Gerda Steyn has solidified her place in the annals of athletic history by clinching her sixth consecutive title at the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town. On Saturday, Steyn showcased her unmatched talent by dominating the 56km race and crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 3:26:54, just a minute shy of her own course record of 3:29:06 set in 2023. The achievement not only underscores her position as the queen of road running but also elevates her status as one of the nation’s most decorated ultra-distance athletes. Steyn’s remarkable performance left the competition far behind,…

Congressman Ronny Jackson has introduced the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, a legislative measure aimed at imposing sanctions on “corrupt South African government officials” who are seen as supporting America’s geopolitical adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran. This bill signals a troubling shift in diplomatic relations, particularly as ties between the two nations have plunged to unprecedented lows following controversial comments from former South African officials and economic sanctions from the Trump administration. The act, presented on 4 April 2025, mandates a comprehensive review of the bilateral relationship, reflecting concerns about Pretoria’s growing alignment with nations perceived as threats…

In a gripping continuation of the trial within a trial, Detective Sergeant Mzamo Mbovane took the stand on Wednesday to provide critical testimony regarding the treatment of Steveno van Rhyn during his police custody. With over two decades of experience serving in the South African police, Mbovane’s testimony comes in the wake of serious allegations that Van Rhyn, alongside Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, was subjected to physical abuse and torture by police officers during questioning on March 4 and 5, 2024. During his time on the witness stand, Mbovane detailed the events leading up to and including Van Rhyn’s medical examination,…