The headlines of the leading newspapers on 17 June 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the African Union’s mid-year coordination summit and the first El Alamein Africa Forum, originally planned for 25 to 27 June, have been postponed due to the spread of the Ebola virus in several African countries.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports the controversial former Pretoria lawyer, Peet Viljoen, was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport shortly after his deportation from America for alleged fraud, theft, and corruption. He is likely to appear in court today.
And secondly the website writes about the DA mayoral candidate in Johannesburg, Helen Zille, who took over the DJ position at a Fourways hangout as part of her election campaign.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the Malawi government has appealed for financial donations and humanitarian aid to bring thousands of its citizens stranded in South Africa home. The appeal comes as Malawi steps up efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of at least 10-thousand citizens.
And secondly, it is reported media personality and television presenter Molemo Maarohanye, better known as Jub Jub, has been released on bail of five-thousand-rand. This comes two days after the 45-year-old was arrested following an alleged armed confrontation with an e-taxi driver in Edenvale.
# Sowetan:
Reports president Cyril Ramaphosa has warned those who want to plunge the country into violence on June 30 that they will face the full force of the security forces. He says the government will not allow those who want to disrupt the country to use and deceive innocent people.
# And The Citizen:
Leads with: “LIFE IS HELL FOR CHILDREN”. The paper writes an average of six children are raped every day, 175 are murdered annually and 160 child abuse cases were filed with the police in the past year.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also reports on Peet Viljoen’s arrest.
Secondly, the paper writes president Donald Trump says Iran may not have a single nuclear weapon under the peace agreement.
And finally, it is reported that the falling oil price as a result of peace in the Middle East may mean good news for motorists.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports that officials may henceforth be held accountable for irregular spending.
And secondly, it writes that a murder suspect from Jeffreys Bay has been acquitted.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the embattled deputy mayor of Msunduzi, Alpha Shelembe, has resigned from his political positions, including his role as deputy mayor and regional treasurer of the ANC. His resignation comes after a brief appearance in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the Namibia Airports Company has defended its direct acquisition of two firefighting vehicles worth almost 40-million-rand.
And secondly, the paper writes that farm workers have identified 29-year-old South African, Armand Schultz, as the manager of a multi-million-rand marijuana cultivation operation on a commercial farm in the Hochfeld area.