The headlines of the leading newspapers on 22 October 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the Treasury is proposing a Fiscal Anchor Act to strengthen stability. The Act aims to establish rules for South Africa regarding the limits on government spending and borrowing.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the controversial businessman from the North West, Suliman Carrim, will appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court today, following allegations that he attempted to smuggle ABSA vehicles across the border into Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, the website writes that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, presented yesterday by Finance minister Enoch Godongwana, prioritises the people of the country.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the Madlanga, Khampepe, and Nkabinde commissions will receive 516-million-rand in additional state funding. Godongwana announced these allocations in the mini-budget. A total of 45.5-billion-rand has been earmarked for crime-fighting operations, disaster relief, and measures to alleviate the pressure on households.
# Sowetan:
Reports an increase in corporate dividends, strong VAT collections, and returns from the mining sector enabled Godongwana to announce fuel price relief in the mini-budget.
# And The Citizen:
Provides a comprehensive breakdown of Godongwana’s mini-budget, noting that it contains consistently good news for the beleaguered consumer.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports on the death of eight-year-old Nero van Niekerk from Totius Laerskool in Boston, who was struck and killed by a bakkie while skateboarding.
Secondly, it is reported that a 19-year-old female student from Maties has been arrested after allegedly attempting to set fire to her ex-boyfriend’s bed while he was in it.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports that plans to scrap South Africa’s vehicle assembly kits have been widely welcomed.
Secondly, the paper covers a false bomb threat aboard a FlySafair aircraft at King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Covers the government’s fuel price relief measures.
Secondly, the paper reports the MK Party has once again wielded the axe; Pumlani Kubukeli and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala have been expelled from the party, effective immediately.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports Namibian cattle farmers are facing mounting financial pressure after South Africa’s feedlot industry halted the importation of live cattle and beef products from Namibia and Botswana.
And secondly, the paper reports the High Court has given the president, the ministers of Justice and Finance, and the Attorney-General until 30 October to provide additional documents regarding housing and vehicle allowances for magistrates.