The headlines of the leading newspapers on 03 March 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the head of trade for the African Continental Free Trade Area, Wamkele Mene, warns that Sub-Saharan Africa’s preferential access to US markets is under threat as the Trump administration continues to expand its hostility towards global free trade.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
The website first has live reports on the 97th Oscar ceremony in Hollywood which began this morning at around 3 am South African time.
Then there is a report on the disappearance of journalist, Aserie Ndlovu and his girlfriend Zodwa Precious Mdhluli and a briefing by the family at the Press Club in Pretoria where the public’s help was called in. Ndlovu and his girlfriend disappeared in Mamelodi on 18 February.
And finally, the page writes about the flood damage that has been caused all over the country and the Weather Service’s prediction that more rain is on the way.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes while the DA has consistently spoken out against the ANC’s economic policies, its response to the proposed VAT increase could force the ANC right into the hands of the EFF. The paper reports by withdrawing from the government of national unity, the DA risks weakening its influence and strengthening the very forces it is trying to oppose.
# Sowetan:
Reports the dreaded Boko Haram gang may have kidnapped Ndlovu and his girlfriend. The journalist’s family says the gang had previously allegedly demanded protection money from him.
# And The Citizen:
Writes about the Vaal Dam which is 93-percent full. The paper reports there are concerns for those living on the Vaal River if the sluices are opened.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Firstly, reports about the Ukrainian crisis and a meeting of European heads of state after the catastrophic meeting in the White House. The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, has undertaken to send troops to Ukraine.
Then the paper writes that three suspects will appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court today after a shop owner was kidnapped last week.
And finally, there is news about a car accident in Sea Point involving a luxury McLaren sports car.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the Nelson Mandela Bay metro may lose 53-million-rand in disaster funds because the municipality has not spent any of the money before the May deadline.
And secondly, the paper writes vandals in Walmer have destroyed several junction boxes and fibre lines in several streets. This has been going on for two years now and has left households without internet for up to three weeks.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Firstly, writes there is ambiguity and lack of transparency about the disaster funds allocated to KwaZulu-Natal.
And then it is reported the steel plant in Newcastle will cease all production processes by the end of the first quarter of this year.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports president Nangolo Mbumba described founding president Sam Nujoma as someone who fulfilled his destiny to leave behind the gift of freedom and independence for the people of Namibia. Nujoma was laid to rest over the weekend
Then the paper writes the Independent Patriots for Change and the Landless People’s Movement’s application to have the presidential election in November last year declared null and void has been rejected.
And finally, there is news about Lake Otjikoto which has reached saturation point for the first time in almost 50 years.