The headlines of the leading newspapers on 19 May 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the Constitutional Court has ruled that the NHI Act’s provision to decide where doctors may work is unconstitutional. However, the Department of Health says that this will not have a direct impact on National Health Insurance.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports the Gauteng government wants to decentralise financial administration at schools. The MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, says schools can then undertake projects with the private sector.
And secondly, the website writes an American working in the Democratic Republic the Congo has also been diagnosed with Ebola. The death toll already stands at 100.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the family of the South African humanitarian ambassador, Faizel Moosa, says he was intercepted by Israeli authorities and is being detained while participating in a civilian flotilla transporting humanitarian aid to Gaza. Moosa was part of the Global Sumūd Flotilla, which wanted to deliver essential supplies and draw attention to the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
# Sowetan:
Reports on Eskom’s threat to shut down Johannesburg if it does not settle its 5.2-billion-rand debt by July 8. There is great concern about the impact on businesses and residents.
# And The Citizen:
Leads with: “HUGE BLOW FOR NHI”. The paper also writes about the Constitutional Court’s decision.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also reports on the setback for National Health Insurance after the Constitutional Court ruled that the so-called certificates of need in the NHI Act are unconstitutional. The certificates would determine where doctors may practice.
And secondly, there is news about the state of Western Cape dams. The levels of some of the largest dams have risen by up to 20-percent.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the deadline for the opportunity to submit comments and objections to Eskom’s proposed nuclear power development in Thyspunt is fast approaching. It was previously postponed from May 5 to 25.
And secondly, the paper writes despite the good rains in the area, Knysna is still worried that the water will run out.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes about problems experienced with the local spaza shop project and about the ongoing sewage dumping crisis in Durban Bay.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the ministry of Health says it is aware of the frustration of the public due to the serious shortages of essential medicines, in particular.
And secondly, the paper writes the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association’s northern branch is calling for the full introduction and enforcement of roof signs for taxis as part of efforts to curb illegal taxis.