The headlines of the leading newspapers on 30 September 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports president Cyril Ramaphosa says not enough has been done to combat gender-based violence and femicide. He has instructed the ministers of Police and of Justice and Constitutional Development, the National Prosecuting Authority, and police management to conduct an audit within 60 days of unsolved cases involving murder, rape, and sexual offences.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports Ramaphosa says the government’s action plan against gender-based violence and femicide aims to prevent these acts before they occur. However, he notes that more legislation, programs, and police officers will not solve the problem. The solution lies at the point where a man first raises his hand against a woman and the family decides to remain silent.
Secondly, the website reports the DA’s parliamentary leader, George Michalakis, has reported 10 municipal managers to the minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, for maladministration.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Also reports on the President’s announcement to strengthen the government’s response to gender-based violence and femicide. This includes a national review of unsolved cases and mandatory safety audits in municipalities.
# Sowetan:
Reports action groups have rejected the defence put forward by lieutenant-general Shadrack Sibiya, who faces charges including the rape of an 18-year-old, during his bail application, in which he claimed the encounter was consensual. The paper also reports on Ramaphosa’s plan to combat gender-based violence and femicide.
# And The Citizen:
Writes about the suspended minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, who earns 3.1-million-rand to stay at home, while acting minister Firoz Cachalia earns the same amount to do the job.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports the minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the diplomatic dispute with the USA concerns South Africa’s critical minerals. She states that if anyone wishes to leave the country, they may do so peacefully without destabilising South Africa. She adds that people can also return in peace.
Secondly, the paper reports the family of the well-known Oudtshoorn ostrich farmer, 85-year-old Saag Jonker, has expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the rescue teams and the community after his body and bakkie were found in the Olifants River.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the president’s action plan hinges on specific deadlines for completion.
Secondly, it reports a 32-year-old police constable from Gqeberha has been charged with the rape of a 15-year-old girl. The constable remains in custody while the investigation continues.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Also reports on the president’s announcement.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the governor of Otjozondjupa, John Julius Khamuseb, has called on the government to retain a 51-percent controlling interest in the country’s oil and gas industry.
And secondly, the paper reports assistance to farmers affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, compliance with lockdown measures, and the establishment of disinfection stations at roadblocks have been identified as key priorities in the Kharas region.