The headlines of the leading newspapers on 23 October 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports exclusivity contracts for grocery chains in shopping centres are set to expire by the end of December, which means centres must prepare for increased competition, while consumers will be presented with a wider range of choices.
# Mail & Guardian:
The paper reports it has investigated the use of SASSA funds—intended for the poor—allegedly to polish the image of the CEO, Themba Matlou.
# Die Papier:
Firstly, reports white and coloured voters in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and the Western Cape will be key to the DA’s retention of support on November 4th. According to opinion polls, the DA is leading the ANC in all these areas.
Furthermore, the paper notes that the figures announced by Finance minister Enoch Godongwana in his mini-budget pose a challenge to the government of national unity’s goal of achieving a three-percent growth rate.
Finally, there is a report regarding an alleged alcohol problem among South African professional rugby players.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports EFF leader Julius Malema stated the party was founded out of love for South Africa and its people. During an election campaign in Mangaung, he said the EFF intends to increase social grants, downsize the cabinet, and dismiss deputy ministers.
Secondly, the website reports acting minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said that 350 officers were dismissed for misconduct during the past financial year, while approximately another thousand are currently under investigation as part of a “clean-up” process.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes Jacob Zuma’s MK Party has dismissed its secretary-general, Advocate Sibonelo Nomvalo, less than two weeks before the local government elections, accusing him of making key party decisions behind the leadership’s back. He allegedly formed high-level deployment committees without the leadership’s knowledge and reshuffled the party’s parliamentary caucus and administration without informing Zuma.
# Sowetan:
Reports the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has run out of funds and can no longer purchase fuel for its patrol vehicles. Management has reportedly issued instructions for officers to park their vehicles and respond only to emergency calls. No patrols are currently being conducted.
# And The Citizen:
Writes the water issues in Bronkhorstspruit, Tshwane, are not unique. Similar instances of untreated drinking water occur elsewhere, and in every case, the municipalities hide behind lies and excuses.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, has warned the Western Cape government to prepare for the impact of El Niño on water security. Dam levels currently stand at 73.5-percent, compared to 89.1-percent a year ago.
Secondly, the paper covers a car accident on the Helshoogte Pass that claimed the life of six-year-old Berto-Lee Adams and left his mother, Gaynor, seriously injured.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the Office of the Public Protector paid a surprise visit to Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha, where they encountered the very same conditions that have been the subject of complaints for months. These include staff shortages, management failures, and unacceptably long waiting times for patients.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes about South Africa’s gambling industry—now valued at 1.5-trillion-rand—and its consequences, which in some instances even include suicide.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the Namibian government has made 179-million-rand available to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, as movement restrictions continue to disrupt livestock sales and place pressure on farmers’ cash flow.
Additionally, the newspaper notes that 14 government offices, ministries, and agencies returned 1.2-billion-rand to the state coffers last year.