The headlines of the leading newspapers on 24 April 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the International Monetary Fund has reiterated its view that South Africa’s debt level will not stabilise as National Treasury has projected in successive budgets. The IMF says it will rise to 88-percent of GDP by 2030 unless the government implements tighter fiscal policies.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
The government will settle the VAT case brought by the DA and EFF out of court. The legal team of Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has approached the DA’s lawyers and said in a statement the VAT increase is being withdrawn.
Then the website writes that president Cyril Ramaphosa will receive Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelensky today despite having a cold.
And finally, it is reported that 85-year-old Gert Bruhns remains in custody after allegedly shooting and killing his son, 56-year-old Erich of Bainsvlei, in Bloemfontein.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Also writes about Ramaphosa’s meeting with Zelensky. Bilateral relations and expanding bilateral cooperation, as well as exploring cooperation in support of efforts to build lasting peace, will be on the agenda.
And secondly, the National Prosecuting Authority is reported to have appointed a senior advocate to investigate the possibility of appealing the Timothy Omotoso ruling.
# Sowetan:
Also reports that Godongwana is scrapping the proposed VAT increase after heated discussions with the other members of the government of national unity. However, experts believe that the decision could jeopardise his cabinet position.
# And The Citizen:
Writes if South Africa strengthens its trade ties with a country like India, the tariffs imposed by the US could be trumped.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Leads with an interview with controversial diamond trader Louis Liebenberg about the circumstances of his detention and other matters related to the case against him. Liebenberg says he is being beaten down while he has done nothing wrong.
And secondly, the Independent Electoral Commission is reported to say that next year’s local government elections could be held between 2 November and 30 January 2027.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the legality of the appointment of Nelson Mandela Bay’s acting city manager, Ted Pillay, was questioned by opposition councillors at a council meeting. The meeting took place behind closed doors.
And secondly, the paper writes the police are looking for the murderer of 36-year-old Vanessa van Rensburg of Gqeberha. Her body was found at her boyfriend’s Oyster Bay holiday home on Easter Sunday.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the potholes and condition of the roads in Nkondeni in Pietermaritzburg are having a negative impact on business, according to businesses in the area.
And secondly, it is reported that KwaZulu-Natal is preparing for a cold front.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the unexpected election of a Landless People’s Movement MP as deputy chairman of the important standing committee on International Relations, Defence and Security indicates serious cracks in the ruling party’s unity.
Then the paper writes the government workshop in Rundu, which is responsible for maintaining vehicles in two regions, has spent more than a million-rand on spare parts in the past ten months.
And finally, there is news about a group of San children who were able to see the sea for the first time thanks to the support of benefactors.