The headlines of the leading newspapers on 02 September 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the new CEO of Absa, Kenny Fihla, has tapped his former employer, Standard Bank, for top talent to fill key roles in its management team as it prepares to bring the group’s new growth strategy to market in the next few months. Absa has already appointed Zaid Moola as CEO of corporate and investment banking.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the mayor of Johannesburg, Dada Morera, has reopened Lilian Ngoyi Street, which was damaged by a gas explosion, after it was repaired. The reality is that the repairs are poor, and no traffic or pedestrians are allowed at this stage.
Then the website writes about the Hawks’ successes against kidnappers in Nelson Mandela Bay. Six suspects are currently appearing in court for the kidnapping of 62-year-old Tracey Fourie. She was kidnapped on August 20 and released five days later.
And finally, it is reported that mining company Glencore says it will also lay off people.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the Johannesburg member of the mayoral committee for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso of the IFP, has announced that his department will not use South African taxpayers’ money to service informal settlements that are mainly occupied by foreign nationals.
# Sowetan:
Leads with “CHILD MURDERS – KWANELE!” The paper reports on the spate of child murders in South Africa and writes, “enough is enough”.
# And The Citizen:
Writes the true cost of Lilian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg is not calculated. The street has been repaired but businesses are not receiving any support and suppliers are refusing to do deliveries.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports on Odwa Lowasa and Jonathan Sekolweni who died in a head-on collision on the N1 near Worcester. They were on their way to Jemaine Kleinveld’s birthday braai.
And secondly, the paper writes about a woman from Ceres who was bitten on the ankle by a monkey at Crocodile Bridge in the Kruger National Park when she wanted to take a picture of him. Nellie Herselman says she just wants to warn people.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports according to evidence in court, the Lusikisiki killers were instructed to wipe everyone out.
And secondly, the paper writes that gang activity is taking over the schools in Duncan Village.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Firstly, writes about the many lives being ruined by online gambling.
And secondly, there is a report about KwaZulu-Natal making it to the African Wealth Index.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports despite several studies confirming the devastating impact of the smelter in Tsumeb on the town’s residents and the environment, a clause is still being used that absolves the owner of the mine from any liability.
And secondly, the paper writes that the Centre for People’s Resistance’s call on the government to take steps to support the end of the war in Gaza seems to be falling on deaf ears.