The headlines of the leading newspapers on 24 July 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the National Treasury has introduced a new budget mechanism aimed at identifying and limiting underperforming government programmes so that spending can be brought under control. The paper writes the new targeted savings mechanism was introduced yesterday.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports on the adoption of the Appropriation Bill yesterday. The website writes the process was dragged out because the MK Party and EFF insisted that each department’s budget be voted on separately. The government of national unity used its majority to pass the bill.
Then the page writes the mother of the murdered Jayden-Lee Meek, Tiffany, argued in her bail application that she was with her mother when her son was murdered.
And finally, it is reported that the co-owner of the Gondwana Game Reserve, FC Conradie, has been identified as the man trampled to death by elephants in the reserve.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes there are many questions about Johannesburg mayoral committee member, Kenny Kunene’s visit to the home of murder accused Katiso “KT” Molefe. No one is saying who the journalist he was accompanying was and why they met behind closed doors.
And secondly, it is reported former president Jacob Zuma’s visit to Morocco was allegedly aimed at setting up two schools. One in Pretoria and the other in Nkandla. The schools will focus on mathematics, science, and IT.
# Sowetan:
Reports the parents of six-year-old Mmachoena Mphaka who died when he was allegedly hit by a stray bullet, say it looks like a hunting rifle with a silencer was used to kill him.
# And The Citizen:
Writes there are many questions about the large sums that FlySafair is allegedly paying to its Irish shareholders while its staff in South Africa are being neglected.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Leads with the death of the co-owner of the Gondwana Game Reserve outside Mossel Bay, 39-year-old FC Conradie, The paper reports he was a well-known figure in conservation circles and a respected mentor.
And secondly, it is reported FlySafair passengers are upset because other airlines are allegedly exploiting the pilots’ strike by increasing their fares now that there are fewer flights available.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports Buffalo City councillors and officials owe more than 21-million-rand for municipal services.
And secondly, the paper writes the Eastern Cape Development Corporation is taking action against institutions that are in arrears with their rent.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes ANC leaders may soon face personal sanctions from the US due to new legislation.
And reports on drug raids being carried out at schools.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports that the Development Bank of Namibia wants to auction three properties in Windhoek to recover almost 29-million-rand of Enercon Namibia’s arrears.
Then the paper writes the looted National Housing Corporation is experiencing serious cash flow challenges.
And finally, there is news about the new Miss Namibia Johanna Swartbooi. Businesswoman and former beauty queen Michelle McLean says she is an eloquent, beautiful young woman.