Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 17 November 2025:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Today, looks at the week ahead for Johannesburg to make final preparations in the run-up to the G20 leaders’ summit this weekend.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports two men, aged 29 and 58, died in separate incidents yesterday morning during the Isuzu Ironman 70.3 competition in Mossel Bay. The men were participating in the swimming event, and one was already dead when he was pulled from the water, while the other died later.

Then the website writes large parts of the Free State were flooded after up to 90 mm of rain fell in certain parts. Several accidents were also recorded on the N3 highway in the Northern Free State.

And finally, it is reported that tributes are pouring in after the passing of struggle icon, ambassador, and education leader doctor Franklin Sonn, this weekend.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes the Nkabinde investigation into suspended director of public prosecutions, Johannesburg advocate Andrew Chauke, will begin in Pretoria today, with national director of public prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, as the first witness.

And secondly, it is reported that the South African government is apparently not much bothered by America’s absence from the G20 summit.

# Sowetan:

Reports the Special Investigation Unit says the investigation into Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane’s alleged fraudulent registration for a master’s degree at Fort Hare is at an advanced stage.

# And The Citizen:

Writes South Africa’s first credit upgrade in two decades is good news, but the S&P rating agency warns that if government reforms do not continue, it will review the rating.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Has the same lead as Netwerk24 about the Ironman deaths in Mossel Bay.

And secondly, there is a report about three-year-old Khy-ree Jordaan from Elsies River who, according to family members, was run over by a traffic officer who was under the influence. The police are investigating.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports the mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Babalwa Lobishe, has awarded herself a four out of five for the level of service delivery to the community.

And secondly, the paper writes a group is accused of assaulting a student while searching for a sexual assault suspect at Nelson Mandela University.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes gang fights at schools are still spreading. The police say there are increasing incidents, and they are arresting schoolchildren involved in gang violence.

Additionally, it is reported that KwaZulu-Natal is intensifying its efforts against drunk drivers.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports a proposed 30-billion-rand oil refinery outside Swakopmund raises questions about land use, water demand, and future pipeline routes.

And secondly, the paper writes a teenager from Walvis Bay who broke his back in an accident has been without proper medical treatment for almost a month after the state hospital allegedly failed to take X-rays or transfer him to Swakopmund.