The headlines of the leading newspapers on 25 February 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has defended the government’s delayed implementation of the Health Market Inquiry’s recommendations. He says it was hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic and budget constraints.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports about the implementation of phase 2 load-shedding from five o’clock this morning.
Then the website writes the security guard charged with theft in the Jesse Mitchell murder case has accepted a plea bargain and received a suspended sentence. Cornelius Kruger illegally sold the murdered Matie student’s property.
And finally there is news about the provincial address of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in which he outlined the province’s main challenges.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes despite being embroiled in an ongoing battle with ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and internal tensions within the ANC, Panyaza Lesufi acted as determined leader of the province during his provincial address yesterday.
# Sowetan:
Reports a warrant has been issued for an alleged illegal gold trader, Bethuel Ngobeni after he failed to meet his bail conditions. The National Prosecuting Authority is upset that he was granted bail.
# And The Citizen:
Writes experts agree with the SANDF’s surgeon general, lieutenant general Ntshavheni Maphaha, who accused the government of running a Mickey Mouse army.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Firstly, reports about the Judicial Service Commission tribunal investigating various charges against suspended judge Mushtak Parker. The charges relate to alleged sexual harassment and an alleged shortage of trust funds at Parker’s law firm.
And secondly, the paper writes a Zimbabwean woman from Du Noon gave birth next to her dying husband who was robbed and stabbed.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports an Eastern Cape man has been arrested after he circulated a recording of himself insulting black South Africans. He also used the k-word towards Julius Malema.
And secondly, the paper writes the suspended deputy mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Gary van Niekerk, is still earning his full salary.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Reports the Auditor-General has reported the Msunduzi Municipality to Parliament.
And secondly, the paper writes the budget crisis over VAT was discussed by the cabinet.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports members in Swapo’s inner circles says the president-designate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has not yet revealed anything about her impending cabinet appointments.
Then the paper writes residents of Grootfontein and surrounding areas gathered at the Omulunga Stadium to pay their last respects to the late founding president, Sam Nujoma.
And finally, it is reported the Omaruru Farmers’ Association has, for the first time in over 100 years, modernised its constitution to be more practical and inclusive and to reflect its current reality.