Author: Silver Sibiya

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Freedom Charter was the vision of the Constitution. He was addressing delegates during the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter in Boksburg Tuesday night. He says about 50 000 people were inspired to be part of this historic document. “From across the country, people responded in their numbers, leading to the Congress of the People, which was the biggest single gathering of representatives of the people in South Africa,” he said. “To have the Freedom Charter drafted, the ANC sent 50,000 volunteers across the country to collect ‘freedom demands’ from ordinary people, a…

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has rejected Alfeco as the preferred business rescue practitioner for SA Steel Mills, citing the company’s alleged poor business practices. Workers from Vereeniging staged a picket outside the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) offices in Sandton on Tuesday, where they have now handed over a memorandum of demands expressing their concerns. NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said the business rescue process appears to show a clear bias in favour of Alfeco. “The company that we think that the business rescue practitioner wants to pick is a company called Alfeco,” she said. “We reject…

In a deeply emotional announcement that has shaken South Africa’s creative community, the organisers of CottonFest confirmed on Tuesday that the beloved festival has come to an end. What began as a tribute to the late rapper Riky Rick’s vision and passion for youth culture has now reached an unexpected and painful conclusion.Earlier this year, CottonFest teased its 2026 return on social media, raising excitement among fans. But behind the scenes, tensions among shareholders were growing. Organisers say those differences have now become impossible to reconcile, making it clear the festival can no longer continue in the spirit in which…

South Africa’s rail freight sector is showing promising signs of recovery, with freight volumes increasing significantly over the past two years. According to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s political report presented at the 5th National General Council of the African National Congress (ANC), freight volumes transported via rail have risen from 150 million tons in 2023 to 174 million tons in 2025. “This marks a notable improvement following years of decline caused by state capture, mismanagement, and underinvestment in critical infrastructure,” he said. The turnaround in rail freight operations is attributed to structural reforms led by the ANC-led government, which have focused…

ANC members and staff picketed outside the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Monday, protesting the non-payment of salaries and unpaid provident fund contributions which they say are deducted but not forwarded. The demonstration took place as the party’s National General Council (NGC) got under way. Staff member Nombuso Mthembu told Newsnote that many workers have still not received their November salaries. “They have started paying the November salaries in batches,” she said. “But the numbers they say are paid compared to those who say they are not paid… the numbers are not telling.” She says the delays have severely affected…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government must end the outsourcing of basic functions, warning that the practice opens the door to corruption. Ramaphosa was addressing the 5th National General Council of the African National Congress, on Monday where he emphasized that outsourcing has significantly weakened the state by eroding its capacity to perform essential functions. He noted that public institutions have lost the necessary skills and capabilities to deliver services effectively, as many core functions are handed over to external contractors. The President highlighted that outsourcing has led to widespread corruption, with numerous cases of tender manipulation, bribery, overpricing, and…

Orlando Pirates clinched the Carling Knockout title on Saturday, edging Marumo Gallants 1–0 in a tense final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. The victory ended a 14-year wait for League Cup glory and delivered the Buccaneers their second trophy of the 2025/26 season. Pirates started strongly and nearly took the lead just three minutes in when Evidence Makgopa capitalised on a defensive error, only to see his effort cleared off the line. Thalente Mbatha later forced a save from goalkeeper Washington Arubi as the Soweto giants dominated the opening half but failed to convert their chances. Arubi continued to…

Newly elected ANC Greater Johannesburg Regional Chairperson Loyiso Masuku says 74-year-old DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille “should not be part of the conversation” as political parties gear up for the 2026 local government elections. Speaking in Woodmead during her first media briefing after defeating outgoing chairperson Dada Morero by 184 votes to 149, Masuku said Johannesburg needs new leadership with modern solutions to its financial instability and service-delivery problems. Masuku, who is also the City’s MMC for Finance, becomes the first woman to lead the ANC in the region and is widely expected to be the party’s preferred mayoral candidate.…

Japanese American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, celebrated worldwide for his chilling portrayal of Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, has died at the age of 75. According to the Los Angeles Times, Tagawa passed away on Thursday in Santa Barbara due to complications from a stroke, surrounded by family.Tagawa’s film and television career spanned more than four decades, cementing him as one of Hollywood’s most recognisable on-screen villains. His breakthrough came when acclaimed Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci cast him in the Oscar-winning epic The Last Emperor (1987), a role the L.A. Times describes as the launchpad for a career that would see…

Loyiso Masuku has been elected Chairperson of the ANC’s Greater Johannesburg Region, defeating former chairperson Dada Morero by 184 votes to 149. The results were announced at the party’s 16th Regional Conference in Woodmead on Thursday. Masuku, who currently serves as the MMC for Finance, becomes the first woman to lead the region. Her election positions her as a strong contender for the City of Johannesburg mayoral seat ahead of the 2026 local government elections. IEC presiding officer Gasan Sekgalo announced the results to loud celebrations from delegates, declaring: “Loyiso Masuku, 184 votes; Dada Morero, 149 votes.” Masuku’s victory follows…