The headlines of the leading newspapers on 02 October 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports Eskom wants to improve its investment status after the government kept the state-owned enterprise running for more than a decade. Eskom is looking for billions of rand investments over the next five years for the maintenance and expansion of its infrastructure.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports on the death of a former Free State Young Farmer of the Year, Albé Grobbelaar of Luckoff. He died of Malaria. His wife, Sonia, is still in a critical condition and his son Louis is recovering well. It is unclear where the family contracted the disease, because they did not leave the Free State.
Then the website writes the Solidarity movement is concerned that the South African government’s delay in their negotiations on trade relations with the USA could lead to further tariff increases.
And finally, it is reported that primatologist and global campaigner, doctor Jane Goodall, has died at the age of 91.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes Nathi Mthethwa’s family has rejected claims that he committed suicide. His brother, Khulekani Mthethwa, says Nathi was tortured during the apartheid regime and he never considered taking his own life.
And secondly, it is reported the widow of the CEO of Tembisa Hospital, Lerato Mthunzi, has said her husband was never involved in any fraud.
# Sowetan:
Leads with: “IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF THE END?” The paper reports on the conviction of EFF leader Julius Malema for firearms offences. He could be suspended as a member of Parliament if he is sentenced to more than 12 months.
# And The Citizen:
Writes there are still many questions about the death of Nathi Mthethwa, and the French police are investigating the incident as suicide. The paper reports that it should not be forgotten that his name was mentioned at the Madlanga Commission.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
First of all also reports on Malema’s conviction. The paper writes he intends to test the court’s finding all the way to the Constitutional Court. While political parties welcome the ruling, the EFF says the conviction is an attack on the party.
And secondly, the paper writes about a Pretoria man who won 49-million-rand in seven months through online gambling. He won 18-million, three-million and then 18-million-rand again.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports members of Parliament will take the Eastern Cape municipalities on that provide poor service.
And writes that the provincial chairperson of ActionSA, Athol Trollip, says that apartheid is still alive and well.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes there are many questions about the pensions of the Amakhosi.
And reports the two baboons in the Durban harbour will now undergo DNA tests to determine their origin.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports Namibian minister of Health and Social Work, doctor Esperance Luvindao, says patients are very important people and state facilities must reflect this.
Then the paper writes the photographer who photographed a badly burnt elephant in the Etosha National Park says he reported it to Okakuejo.
And finally there is news about Zimbabwean farmer Ben Freeth, who completed his latest ride on horseback to Cape Cross.