The headlines of the leading newspapers on 21 October 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the Reserve Bank has launched a project to promote digital payments and encourage consumers to move away from the high costs associated with cash. This involves using ATMs and QR codes to make payments.
# And from the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports the Eastern Cape community is mourning the death of 65-year-old Janine Lochrenberg from KuGompo City, who died following a shark attack. She was attacked in the sea at Orient Beach and succumbed to her injuries after being brought ashore.
Secondly, the website reports Britain’s Prince Harry stated in a magazine interview that he wishes to reconcile with the rest of the British Royal Family.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the CEO of the National Media Group, Melanie Peters, has called on president Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against the minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. This follows a TikTok video posted by the minister on National Press Freedom Day, in which he declared that the media would be barred from certain events. This comes after a media investigation uncovered alleged “cadre deployment” by McKenzie’s party, the Patriotic Alliance.
# Sowetan:
Reports economists are speculating whether relief on fuel prices will be included in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, to be presented today by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
# And The Citizen:
Writes the DA and the EFF are calling for the resignation of Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya, following the supply of untreated drinking water to the Bronkhorstspruit community without prior notification. Approximately 400 people have fallen ill.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also leads with the shark attack in Buffalo City. The paper reports the Buffalo City Municipality has closed Orient and Eastern beaches in the city following the incident.
Secondly, the paper reports, under new regulations from the Independent Communications Authority, prepaid mobile phones that have not been used for more than 183 days will be deactivated.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports a new steel rolling mill, being established at a cost of approximately 360-million-rand in the Coega Special Economic Zone, could create hundreds of jobs and reduce costs for businesses in the Eastern Cape.
Secondly, the paper also covers the shark attack at Orient Beach.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Reports calls for fuel price relief are mounting from all quarters.
Secondly, there is news regarding Temba Bavuma’s century, which could potentially save the Proteas in the Test series against Australia.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the minister of Urban and Rural Development, Sankwasa James Sankwasa, has stated that the financial records of traditional authorities are to be audited.
And secondly, the paper reports the University of Namibia is claiming approximately two-million-rand from Purple Plum Events and Catering CC for alleged unpaid rent for a cafeteria on its main campus in Windhoek.