Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 25 June 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports MPs plan to ease restrictions on vaping and retain the sale of single cigarettes in the Tobacco Bill. The paper writes that lawmakers support public health goals, but must weigh this against economic realities.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has appealed to South Africans not to listen to the words of agitators. He says the law on illegal immigrants must be enforced but the country’s people must show that they do not carry hatred in their hearts.

And secondly, the website writes the police and the private security industry have strengthened their ties ahead of the planned June 30 protests.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Reports members of the Motor Industry Staff Association have been asked not to participate in the March-and-March demonstrations on June 30. The union says participation in this protest is not protected by labour legislation. Because the strike has no legal protection, any absence from work could lead to disciplinary action, which could include dismissal.

# Sowetan:

Reports the recruitment process for new members for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police leaves much to be desired. The paper spoke to a gas station attendant who quit his job to join and is now in limbo.

# And The Citizen:

Writes starting next month, the National Treasury will withhold funds from 29 municipalities nationwide due to misappropriation and the inability to approve budgets.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Reports the US ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, is upset about South Africa’s relations with China and Iran. He said on X that the people of South Africa deserve an honest conversation about the countries their government chooses to side with.

And secondly, the paper writes Western Cape schools have asked parents to please not send their children to school in pyjamas.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports a Sydenham family is shocked by the sudden unexplained death of a child.

And secondly, the paper writes about a scam involving black market rugby ticket sales in Gqeberha.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Reports the suspended KwaZulu-Natal Correctional Services commissioner, Mnikelwa Nxele, has been arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering. The charges relate to allegations that span from 2004 to 2023.

And secondly, there is a report about an alleged break-in at the ANC offices in Pietermaritzburg.

And finally, from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports the state-funded house in Swakopmund, originally built for former president Hage Geingob’s retirement, has exceeded the budget of 36-million-rand by more than 500-thousand-rand.

Secondly, the paper writes the Russian captain of a fishing boat was fined 450-thousand-rand in the Walvis Bay Regional Court.

And finally, there is news about the German airline Condor resuming direct flights between Frankfurt and Windhoek from June 2027.