The headlines of the leading newspapers on 04 July 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports president Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, Paul Mashatile, have paid tribute to former deputy president David Mabuza, who passed away yesterday. Ramaphosa said he is saddened by the loss of a leader who shaped South Africa’s engagement with our compatriots on the continent and in the international community.
# Mail & Guardian on Fridays:
Wants to know how fair it is that taxpayers have to contribute 1.1-billion-rand to political parties while the country is experiencing an economic crisis.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Today reports further on the bail application in the Koster murder case in Rustenburg. The investigating officer, lieutenant colonel Patric Murunwa, testified that Wilma Koster acted bravely by blocking the attackers’ vehicle with a “kierie” after her husband George, was shot. She was also shot dead shortly after.
Then the website writes former president Thabo Mbeki says the DA’s withdrawal from the National Dialogue is not in the party’s interest.
And finally, it is reported that the second Springbok test against Italy in Gqeberha will be broadcast on SABC2.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Leads with “HAMBA KAHLE MABUZA.” The paper writes tributes are pouring in from everywhere.
# Sowetan:
Reports on Mabuza’s final days upon his return to South Africa after spending 21 days in a Russian hospital.
# And The Citizen:
Writes local government’s threats against residents who have stepped in to repair roads and even set up their own fire department are misplaced. Former Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink says government should be part of the community and not try to dominate it.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports on the so-called trail of fraud of Transnet executives are now being exposed. The paper writes Brian Molefe and other former senior executives allegedly received “bags full of money” from the Gupta brothers.
And secondly, the paper writes about Johan Kotze from Riebeek-Wes, who gave his extra rugby ticket for the Boks’ match against the Barbarians to a homeless man outside the stadium last Saturday.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the mooring of the MSC Nicola Mastro in the port of Ngqura is seen as a major milestone and vote of confidence in the Eastern Cape port’s ability to function as a global transfer centre.
And secondly, the paper writes about this year’s oyster festival.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes that the MK party strongly denies that they are collapsing due to internal strife.
And secondly, it is reported that the Durban July horse race has again made a huge contribution to the city’s economy this year.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports only 22 of Windhoek’s bus fleet of 56 are currently in working order, and out of the state fleet of 234 ambulances of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, only 84 are currently in use.