The headlines of the leading newspapers on 16 April 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the tenderpreneur, Hangwani Maumela, who is involved in the looting of the Tembisa Hospital, has had his luxury cars worth more than 75-million-rand and eight properties seized. The paper writes an eMalahleni car dealer is now going to court in an attempt to keep the supercars.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports in full on EFF leader Julius Malema’s first day of sentencing proceedings for the firearms charge against him in KuGompo City [East London]. Magistrate Twanette Olivier will pass sentence today.
Then the website writes the SACP says cooperation with and membership of the ANC is very important, but it will still contest the election independently later this year.
And finally, it is reported president Donald Trump has posted a new AI image on social media. In the image, he is embraced by Jesus.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the Labour Appeal Court has ruled that calling someone a “white racist” does not automatically constitute racism. The court reinstated Vuyani Qomoyi in his position at Namaqua Wines after he had previously displayed alleged racist behaviour.
And secondly, the paper reports on all the events in and around the court with Malema’s appearance yesterday and on what can be expected today.
# And Sowetan:
Reports businessman Nikluis Manuel allegedly used 662 ghost workers in his company to steal 148-million-rand from the Covid Relief Fund.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports on the varied reaction to the appointment of Roelf Meyer as South African ambassador to the US. The paper writes president Cyril Ramaphosa said Meyer had distinguished himself in several areas and that he had full confidence that he would restore ties with the US.
And secondly, the paper writes about the metro’s information boards that attract the attention of motorists in the Cape.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports allegations of conflict of interest have stopped the interviews with prospective judges for now.
And writes the table is set for Malema’s big day.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the suspended deputy commissioner of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police, Julius Mkhwanazi, still has to answer difficult questions before the Madlanga Commission.
And reports on trade unions’ fight against the increase in contributions to the state medical aid, GEMS.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the International Secondary Certificate of the Independent Examinations Council is recognised by South African universities and international bodies.
And secondly, the paper writes the tourism industry is unhappy after the ministry of the Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced new regulations regarding access to Sossusvlei and Dooievlei, which will come into effect on May 1.