The headlines of the leading newspapers on 05 March 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports a VAT increase of 0.75-percent is one of the options proposed to finance the budget deficit of 60-billion-rand over the medium term. The paper writes a VAT increase is still included because the cabinet could not agree to delete unaffordable policy items.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports on a debate on mother tongue in Parliament. Several speakers declared their love for Afrikaans and refuted allegations that the language is under threat in South Africa.
And secondly, the website writes the Western Province Rugby Union will probably lose not only the Newlands Stadium, but also 11 other properties when it is auctioned to pay off debts of more than 250-million-rand.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes the ANC’s regional committee in Johannesburg still intends to suspend regional secretary, Sasabona Manganye. This will reportedly be dealt with at the committee’s next meeting. The paper reports that despite the ANC’s renewal efforts, allegations of unethical behaviour continue to haunt its internal structures.
And secondly, it is reported Finance minister Enoch Godongwana still has difficult decisions to make on the budget. The three options on the table are a 0.75-percent increase in Value Added Tax, a fuel levy increase or a payment holiday for employer contributions to the Civil Servants Pension Fund.
# Sowetan:
Reports the gas supply to the Charlotte Maxeke and Rahima Moosa hospitals has been cut off after the Gauteng Department of Health failed to pay 14-million-rand. This means that patients have no hot water and their food cannot be prepared.
# And The Citizen:
Writes a group of South Africans who distance themselves from AfriForum has sent a message to America that they will not accept the country’s offer of refugee status.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports about a car accident on the N2 near Heidelberg in which seven people died. Four people were injured in the same accident. Most of the victims are not older than 25.
And secondly, the paper also writes about the WP Rugby Union’s dilemma.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the Nelson Mandela Bay metro has introduced a service delivery charter. According to this, minor water leaks will be repaired within 10 days, blocked drains will be cleared within 24 hours, potholes will be filled within five days, faded road markings will be painted in seven days and street lights will be repaired in 21 days.
And secondly, the paper writes thefts at Nelson Mandela Bay municipal depots have resulted in major damage, with 16 trucks stripped of critical parts, including an engine in one case.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the residents of Bisley in Pietermaritzburg are opposed to the planned construction of a new community hall in the area and are instead calling for the renovation of the existing hall in Oribi.
And secondly, the paper reports on the difficult issues that the government must address in its national budget.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the Namibian cabinet has approved the policy for universal health coverage for Namibia.
Then there is news of two separate drowning incidents following a heavy rainstorm in the southern suburbs of Windhoek.
And finally, the paper writes NamWater wants to ration Rundu’s water over a 330-million-rand debt.