Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 13 March 2025:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports political parties are preparing for a heated parliamentary debate after Finance minister Enoch Godongwana tabled a budget that took a step back from the VAT increase he proposed last month. Individual taxpayers must now help finance government spending.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports the minister of Agriculture and DA leader, John Steenhuisen, says they are still opposed to the budget because it includes a VAT increase. However, he said that the DA is still willing to negotiate as part of the government of national unity.

Then the website writes that the office of the controversial Kleuterzone Group of Schools in Stellenbosch is closed and there are no staff present.

And finally, there is news about the Joshlin Smith case. The website reports it was testified in court that Kelly Smith allegedly said she would accept five thousand rand to sell her children.

GAUTENG:

# The Star & Pretoria News:

Dedicates its entire front page to Godongwana’s budget, and writes Consult by Momentum wealth manager Jurgen Eckmann warns that the announcement of personal income tax not being adjusted for inflation, has serious consequences for the consumer. For the second consecutive year, it means that income will shrink, especially for those who are pushed into higher tax brackets by salary increases.

# Sowetan:

Reports the reduced VAT increase will still hurt the poorest people. The paper writes the government is still having an uphill battle to get the budget approved.

# And The Citizen:

Leads with: “BUDGET: GIVE A LITTLE TAKE A LOT”. The paper asks where are the savings to cut back on a bloated government?

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Devote its entire front page to the budget and report in full on the various aspects contained in it. The paper reports the ANC’s biggest challenge now is to get enough support to approve the budget.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports Nelson Mandela Bay will receive a further 200-million-rand. This follows the Revenue Division Bill introduced yesterday by minister Godongwana.

And secondly, the paper writes a shop owner, Jaffar Uddin, was kidnapped in KwaDwesi on Tuesday, with a ransom demand for his release.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes the VAT increase will have a huge impact on consumers.

And reports another storm warning has been issued for KwaZulu-Natal.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports the city of Windhoek needs an estimated 7.8-billion-rand to provide services to the approximately 165-thousand new residents in the city.

Then the paper writes the minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero, says she failed to act after an investigation by the National Youth Council. According to the investigation, the director and executive chairperson should be suspended.

And finally, it is reported that a woman from Rehoboth claims that she had to give birth to a premature baby in front of other patients at the Katutura State Hospital in Windhoek.