Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 27 August 2025:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports South African airline Airlink’s payments from Mozambique are being continuously blocked and it is considering ceasing ticket issuance in the country. The country owes about 3.5-billion-rand to various airlines and is currently struggling with foreign exchange shortages.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Firstly, once again leads with the Ohrigstad farm attack and writes about the testimony of the victims’ families that was heard.

Then it is reported the Electoral Commission says it is in talks with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to ensure that next year’s elections run smoothly.

And finally, the paper writes singing sensation Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce are finally engaged.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes Rise Mzansi, the GOOD Party, and BOSA are set to announce a merger into a new centrist political party ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Reliable sources have confirmed to the newspaper that discussions are underway, with the focus on ideas rooted in unity and improved service delivery.

# Sowetan:

Reports the detectives in the controversial assassination case of DJ Sumbody are being watched over full-time by bodyguards.

# And The Citizen:

Writes the DA’s possible mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille, says there are many problems in the city but that they can be fixed after 30 years.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Firstly, reports the Madlanga Commission on interference in the criminal justice system will no longer start its work on September 1st. The main reason is that everything cannot be put in place in time. Two top officials of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development have been dismissed over the delay.

And secondly, the paper writes the minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, wants to replace the approximately 18-million green ID booklets.

EASTERN CAPE:

# Daily Despatch in East London:

Reports the new routes that FlySafair has introduced between Lanseria and the Eastern Cape are intended to boost tourism.

And writes the Eastern Cape government will conduct a thorough investigation of all school kitchens in the province.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Reports that the residents of Msunduzi are once again suffering under a mysterious sewage smell.

And writes the mayor of the uMngeni Municipality, Chris Pappas, hosted a special event for the elderly.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports that members of private medical funds may soon be asked to sign consent letters that their medical information may be shared. This is seen as giving up the right to privacy.

Then the paper writes during Heroes’ Day celebrations in Katima Mulilo, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah once again emphasised “we are too few to be poor”.

And finally there is news about Janine van Zyl from Namibia, who won the Van Rhyn Trophy at the awards ceremony of the Institute of Cape Winemakers.