Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 09 July 2025:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports the introduction of the 30-percent tariff on South African exports to the US has plunged the country into a diplomatic crisis. The paper writes Pretoria is still hopeful that there is diplomatic space to negotiate a postponement. Officials warn that the tariffs, which come into effect on August 1st, could seriously undermine the competitiveness of the country’s products in the American market.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports the minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, says the American tariffs could have catastrophic consequences for the South African economy. He says the citrus industry in particular could be hit very hard. Steenhuisen says that as a member of the government of national unity, he will cooperate to find a solution to the tariffs.

Secondly, the website writes the secretary-general of the ANC, Fikile Mbalula, says the minister of Higher Education and Training, Nobuhle Nkabane did not lie about her Seta appointments and therefore no crime was committed.

And finally, it is reported the minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, says there is no reason to ban Israeli athletes from the Comrades Marathon, because like all other sporting events, it is apolitical.

GAUTENG:

# The Star & Pretoria News:

Writes former Police minister Bheki Cele is now embroiled in the police corruption scandal involving controversial businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala. Cele is alleged to have stayed in a luxury penthouse belonging to Matlala before his company was awarded a R360-million SAPS health services tender.

# Sowetan:

Reports Trump’s tariffs will mainly affect the citrus and car industries. The paper writes this could harm as many as 70-thousand families. Business organisations have called on the government to urgently intervene.

# And The Citizen:

Leads with: “TARIFFS: WHAT IT MEANS TO SOUTH AFRICA”. The paper also writes it is more about power than trade. Economists say it will destroy the existence of many communities.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Also leads with the impact of the Trump tariffs on the economy and reports that Steenhuisen says it could destroy rural economies like Citrusdal.

And secondly, the paper writes the Cape Town Fire Service has warned that private fire services are illegal and not trained to deal with major fires.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Firstly reports, about two sisters who were shot dead in Kariega.

And secondly, the paper writes the mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Babalwa Lobishe, refuses to reverse her decision to end the development agency’s mandate to manage the city’s stadium.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes there are concerns about the impact of America’s tariffs on the economy.

And reports about a toddler who drowned in a swimming pool.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports Namcor’s former managing director and two former senior officials have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission, with more arrests to follow soon.

Then the paper writes Health minister, Esperance Luvindao said there was a conflict of interest with Fabupharm’s report on its painkiller that could not be accepted as legal.

And finally, it is reported Ohorongo Cement and Cheetah Cement may not proceed with their proposed collaboration agreement.