The headlines of the leading newspapers on 09 October 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the government is reviewing its refugee policy after a Constitutional Court ruling led to violence and confusion. The paper writes officials are seeking legal clarity regarding asylum procedures amidst violent protests in Durban and Johannesburg.
# Mail & Guardian:
Also covers the asylum issue. The paper reports the government is intervening to reassure citizens on counter disinformation and misinformation, while a court ruling has plunged the country into immigration chaos.
# Die Papier:
Firstly, reports Herman Mashaba of ActionSA is demanding that the DA get rid of its mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille, before he will negotiate a coalition.
Then, the paper outlines the standing of the various parties according to the latest opinion polls. The DA is making a clean sweep in the Cape, but there is no outright majority in Johannesburg and Tshwane, which does not rule out cooperation with the ANC.
And finally, it is reported while Eskom says load-shedding is over, power issues in most major metros have still not been resolved.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the Border Management Authority has denied that criminals deported from the USA to Eswatini are infiltrating South Africa via informal border crossings.
Secondly, the website reports the looting by protesters during the violent demonstrations that erupted yesterday in Soweto and Durban over asylum seekers will be investigated by the police.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Reports acting national police commissioner lieutenant-general Puleng Dimpane visited Soweto last night to assess the security situation. National spokesperson brigadier Athlenda Mathe says Dimpane assessed the situation and provided an update on police deployments in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, as well as in other areas identified as potential hotspots.
# Sowetan:
Leads with: “TENSIONS EXPLODE” and also reports on the violent protests that broke out in Johannesburg and Durban regarding asylum for migrants.
# And The Citizen:
Reports millions of rands in taxpayer money are being wasted on infrastructure projects nationwide because, according to an expert, the government is unable to implement plans.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports there is secrecy surrounding the true state of former president Jacob Zuma’s health. Although the MK Party says there is no cause for concern, Zuma failed to appear at the manifesto launch in Johannesburg. There is speculation that his condition is more serious than is being admitted.
Secondly, the paper reports thousands of ladybugs have washed up on Western Cape beaches, leaving streaks of red-and-black beetles along the high-water mark at Strand.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has been ordered to complete housing projects as part of its efforts to address the housing shortage in the metro. The municipality has begun building 153 houses in Joe Slovo and KwaNobuhle; construction is expected to be completed by 26 February 2027.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Reports the Constitutional Court ruling regarding the opportunity for illegal immigrants to apply for asylum has caused tensions to flare up in large parts of the country.
And secondly, it writes the Court of Appeal has ruled that Willem Hendrik Ackerman must still pay 500-thousand-rand to the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation for the repeated use of the k-word.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports Namibia’s first paediatric cardiologist, doctor Fenny Shidhika, has suddenly resigned from the ministry of Health and Social Services due to what she describes as “humiliating threats.”
And secondly, the paper writes the Walvis Bay municipal council has decided to terminate its contract with the debt collector RedForce Debt Management.