Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 07 March 2024:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports the rating agency Moody’s has downgraded Ekurhuleni’s long-term outlook to Caa2, three notches below junk status and an indication of a very high credit risk. The agency has also placed the City of Tshwane’s long-term outlook of Caa1 on review for further downgrade.

GAUTENG:

# Beeld:

Reports the 34-year-old Freddie Stapelberg, who is charged with the murder of Nadine Terblanche and her 9-year-old son Ruandré, has had his bail application refused because he may pose a danger to himself and the community.

Then there is news about Hoërskool Waterkloof’s new “staff member”, a hairy tarantula named Mathilda.

And finally, there is a snippet about participating in the Earth Hour celebrations.

# The Star and Pretoria News:

Writes parents have complained about the deployment of police officers in uniforms at schools as it allegedly restricts the rights of the learners.

And reports on spaza owners being attacked so that their shops can be hijacked.

# And Sowetan:

Reports the residents of Bronkhorstspruit east of Pretoria protested yesterday about water supply to the town. They say they have not had water for three months and a serious health crisis is looming.

FREE STATE:

# Volksblad in Bloemfontein:

Reports the DA and ANC yesterday clashed in the Mangaung Metro Council over the illegal land occupation along the Jagersfontein road. The group of land occupiers has now grown to almost three-thousand.

And secondly, the paper writes about the disappearance of 7-year-old Joslin Smith from Saldanha. Three men and three women may appear in court today.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Leads with the latest on the Smith disappearance. The paper reports a female sangoma from Saldanha is believed to be the key to Joslin Smith’s whereabouts.

Then it is reported around five-thousand-700 broilers have died due to heat at the Drakenstein prison outside Paarl. The SPCA is investigating.

And finally, there is news about a German who has already been vaccinated against Covid 217 times and shows no side effects.

# And Cape Times:

Writes interference may have delayed the search for Joslin Smith.

And it is reported that today is D-Day for ANC members implicated by the State Capture Commission.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports the South African National Defence Force will pay the hundreds of Eastern Cape reservists who were called up to combat the public violence in KwaZulu-Natal three years ago. However, none of the members ever left the base.

And secondly, the paper writes Nelson Mandela Bay’s Driftsands Depot is strewn with decaying furniture and equipment while quad bikes and jet skis are rusting away.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# Daily News in Durban:

Writes billions of rand are needed to restore eThekwini’s water system.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports a dark cloud hangs over Mariental due to the low level of the Hardap Dam which is currently only 13.6-percent full. The scorching drought is already putting livestock production under pressure.

And secondly, the paper writes the pastor of House of Joy Ministries and convicted game poacher, Jackson Babi is currently facing further charges related to outstanding rent.