The headlines of the leading newspapers on 26 October 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the metalworkers’ union, NUMSA, has removed its national leaders from their positions. The central committee will now take control amidst a leadership struggle within the union.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the body of 28-year-old Anathi Maguga, who ran a small baking business in Gqeberha, was found in the bushes in Motherwell on Saturday. She had been reported missing on Friday morning.
Secondly, the website reports the pharmacy group Dis-Chem was unable to offer discounts through its ‘Better Rewards’ programme on Saturday due to technical issues.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes passengers on Airlink flight 4Z 951 from Johannesburg to Cape Town had to board a replacement aircraft yesterday afternoon after a tyre on their original plane burst during take-off. Airlink says engineers are examining the original aircraft to determine how it can be safely removed from the runway as quickly as possible.
# Sowetan:
Reports Johannesburg’s water crisis has escalated, with water tanker drivers no longer able to reach all the designated service points. Some areas have now been without water for eight days.
# And The Citizen:
Writes following the emergence of fresh issues regarding the payment of salaries at South African Airways, the organisation OUTA has questioned whether further taxpayer funds will be used to keep the airline operational.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports a new opinion poll indicates the ANC is in an even worse position than previously suggested, with some experts even anticipating a shock for the party. Former president Thabo Mbeki has expressed concern regarding the ANC’s standing following the election.
Additionally, the paper reports on an incident in Somerset West where four armed robbers tied up a 28-year-old woman and stole her personal belongings. She was not injured during the incident.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports there are numerous questions surrounding the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, with allegations of political interference in the recruitment process.
Furthermore, the paper writes the ANC will not field a candidate in Qunu, the place where the late President Nelson Mandela grew up.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Reports the Msunduzi Municipality is currently investigating the chaos disrupting the city’s taxi industry.
And secondly, it reports the public has already raised 70-thousand-rand for a father from Pinetown who shot at hijackers in order to protect his child.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports while preventing the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease and safeguarding Namibia’s animal health status remain essential, the economic consequences of the prolonged market disruption are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
The paper further reports leaders of the OvaHimba and OvaTjimba are expected to hand over a petition against the proposed Baynes hydropower project to the minister of Mines, Energy and Industrial Development, Modestus Amutse, this morning.
And finally, there is news about young Swiss choir singers who thoroughly enjoyed their visit along the Namibian coast.