Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 17 February 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports the business community is satisfied with the clear steps on power supply outlined by the government, but is still concerned about a manufacturing crisis. There is a decline in manufacturing and no response to trade competition. The automotive industry in particular has been hard hit recently.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports the son of one of the so-called Cradock 4, Lukhanyo Calata, says the ANC government has abandoned the family. This is about the government’s lack of prosecution in TRC cases. Calata says all the security policemen who murdered his father, Fort, have since died. They should have been prosecuted in 2004.

Then the paper writes about the water crisis, a topic that is also given full attention in Die Burger.

And finally, there is news about the death of veteran actor Robert Duvall, who died on Sunday at 95.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes the fourth suspect in the murder case of Bolt driver Isaac Satlat has surrendered to police in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. This follows the arrest of three more suspects who have already appeared in court. The incident took place on February 11 and has sparked renewed calls for the safety of e-hailing drivers.

And secondly, it is reported former president Jacob Zuma is looking to form a youth alliance involving the EFF and ATM.

# Sowetan:

Leads with: “EKURHULENI CLEAN UP BEGINS”. The paper writes approximately three-thousand-500 metro police officers will be vetted as a direct result of the revelations that came to light before the Madlanga Commission.

# And The Citizen:

Writes about Gauteng’s latest plans to implement water sharing. The DA says the problem is not being solved, the available supply is just being moved around and the FF+ says 13-percent of the water is unfit for human consumption.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Reports on the water crisis in the country. Water expert, professor Anthony Turton, is of the opinion that the steps announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Union address are too little too late. He says it was already clear in 2002 that South Africa needed water restrictions to manage supply.

And secondly, the paper writes 75-year-old Johann Scholtz and 52-year-old Gerda Tait from Oudtshoorn remain in custody after they allegedly assaulted street children who robbed another street child. A third person has also been arrested in the meantime.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports there are growing requests from community organisations that the army should also be deployed in Nelson Mandela Bay to combat gang violence and crime.

And secondly, the paper writes about a teacher who allegedly received bribes to change learners’ marks.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes the uMngeni Municipality has announced a tariff rebate for farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease. This rebate is aimed at providing financial relief to farmers, especially dairy farmers, who have been affected by the outbreak.

And secondly, the paper reports on plans to save Tongaat/Hulett.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports five new mines focusing on gold, copper, and uranium, among others, will possibly be put into operation in Namibia within the next three to five years. This could boost GDP by 13.3-percent.

And secondly, there is news about Namibia and the world’s favourite baboon, Cindy’s legacy, which lives on in a safe haven for orphaned and injured baby baboons.