The headlines of the leading newspapers on 03 June 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports higher fuel cost is taking its toll on South Africa’s business confidence. The paper writes RMB’s chief economist, Isaah Mhlanga, says the BER building cost index reflects disruption, but recovery has not been derailed.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the ANC has recalled its Madibeng mayor, Douglas Maimane, after he allegedly offered 200-thousand-rand to opposition parties to undermine the ANC.
And secondly the paper writes the DA is unhappy because the ANC did not turn up at an Emfuleni council meeting. The ANC has also withdrawn its mayor, Sipho Radebe, and the council is in chaos.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the Western Cape Education Department has announced the closure of all schools in the Eden and Central Karoo districts today and tomorrow. This follows the South African Weather Service issuing a severe level 8 weather warning for parts of the Western Cape. According to the MEC for Education, David Maynier, the decision was taken in the interest of learner and teacher safety.
# Sowetan:
Reports on the presentation of the Presidency’s budget and president Cyril Ramaphosa’s warning about global pressure on the country’s growth. The paper writes people can no longer afford to get to work.
# And The Citizen:
Writes a nuclear power station at Thyspunt on the Eastern Cape coast has again drawn criticism from activists. They are concerned about the ecological impact and negative consequences for tourism.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports two suspects who may be linked to the murder of the Marais couple in the Kruger National Park have been arrested in Mozambique for questioning. The victims’ bakkie was located in Mozambique last week.
Secondly, the paper writes members of the parliamentary portfolio committee on Basic Education are upset because the Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, did not want to discuss racial discrimination in their admissions policy. Maynier says the issue is now before the court.
And finally, there is also news about the closure of schools today and tomorrow.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports there are many questions about the murder of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo from Mossel Bay. His family says he was mistaken for an immigrant during a protest and killed.
And secondly, the paper writes about heavy rains forecast for the Eastern Cape from today.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the Msunduzi municipality has introduced a debt relief plan for residents and businesses.
And secondly, the paper warns of inclement weather later in the week.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the country’s central bank, Bank of Namibia, predicts low inflation, but slow economic growth.
Then the paper writes the Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has reached a milestone with its first hip and knee replacement operations, but must pay compensation after a child died.
And finally there is news about the Swiss airline Edelweiss which landed for the first time. The airline can bring 15-thousand passengers to Namibia annually.