Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 25 September 2025:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports South Africa is pressuring the US to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act despite the high tariffs. President Cyril Ramaphosa said after his speech at the UN that while the country strives to maintain its relationship with the US, Pretoria is reaching out to Asia, Latin America, and the Gulf for new markets.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Firstly, reports on Ramaphosa’s speech at the UN, where he emphasised the rights and health of women, teenagers, and children worldwide. He says the Global Leaders Network has undertaken to pay attention to the plight of the people.

Secondly, the website writes about 71-year-old Bakkies Buys, who was kidnapped from his home in Mooinooi on Tuesday. He was released in Randburg yesterday with the help of investigator Mike Bolhuis. He is unharmed.

And finally, it is reported deputy president Paul Mashatile said at the Heritage Day celebration in Oudtshoorn that every South African must preserve his or her heritage.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes as the race for Johannesburg’s mayoralty intensifies, Dada Morero is emerging as a formidable challenger to the Democratic Alliance’s Helen Zille. The paper reports Morero’s appeal among township voters, particularly in Soweto, is growing, fuelled by criticism of the DA’s performance in poor areas and growing frustration over the party’s silence on Gaza.

# Sowetan:

Reports on the vandalism in cemeteries where expensive headstones are being destroyed. The Johannesburg metro is urging people to consider cremation and rebury existing graves.

# And The Citizen:

Writes the EFF’s call to change the Kruger National Park to Skukuza National Park has drawn widespread criticism. The party also wants to change the name of the local airport to DD Mabuza Airport.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Firstly, reports on 39-year-old Janine Stander from Oudtshoorn, whose body was found in a canal after she had been missing for a week. Stander was last seen alive at a local sports bar. Her husband, Ryan, identified her. The couple has three children.

And secondly, there is news about the controversial rapture predicted by evangelist Danie Botha. It was said to have occurred yesterday. Botha says anyone who died yesterday was part of the rapture.

EASTERN CAPE:

# Daily Despatch in East London:

Reports Buffalo City metro is looking into the damage and costs after the strike was suspended.

And writes the discovery of a rare sawfish or carpenter shark discovered at Birha Beach has raised hopes for the survival of the species.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes Panorama residents are concerned about air quality due to dust from the nearby quarry.

And secondly, it is reported the aviation school in Pietermaritzburg has opened its doors.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports this year’s graduates say the delay in the placement of trainee doctors is jeopardising their professional future and putting pressure on an already faltering health system.

And secondly, the paper writes more than 100-thousand-hectares have already been destroyed in a devastating wildfire in the Etosha National Park.