The headlines of the leading newspapers on 17 March 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports former South African ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, is expected to return home this week after being expelled by the Trump administration. Rasool, who returned to the US in January for a second term as the country’s top diplomat, was given 72 hours to leave the country on Friday after being declared persona non grata by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports president Cyril Ramaphosa intends to repair ties between the US and South Africa as they are extremely negative in the year the country hosts the G20 summit. The Presidency says Ramaphosa will remain actively involved in America.
Then the website writes about a Westonaria cattle farmer, Adriaan Vos, who survived a farm attack after being shot three times and having his house set on fire.
And finally, there is news about the memorial service for the writer and actor Crystal-Donna Roberts who died of cancer.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes Rasool is seen as a hero in the eyes of many South Africans, but the country’s participation in AGOA has now become a serious issue.
And reports there are many questions about the appointment of the former spin-doctor of the Free State Department of Small Business, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Kgotso Tau as acting CEO of the Free State Development Corporation.
# Sowetan:
Reports an eight-year-old child has identified convicted murderer Rassie Nkuna in court as the man who shot and killed his parents in front of him. Nkuna is already serving a life sentence for the murder of his girlfriend and her sister.
# And The Citizen:
Leads with: “RASOOL THROWN UNDER THE BUS?” The paper writes Ramaphosa has decided not to take any action against the US after Rasool was sent home. Experts say this speaks volumes.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also leads with the Presidency’s efforts to repair ties with the US.
Then there is a report about a father and three teenagers who clung to the hull of their capsized boat in the sea off Hawston for seven hours in thick fog until the Sea Rescue Institute of Hermanus rescued them.
And finally, the paper writes Parliament’s YouTube channel was hijacked by a crypto service to place fake advertisements.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Firstly, there is a report about a taxi accident at Nelson Mandela University yesterday morning when the vehicle drove into a group of students. One person was killed and ten injured, one of them seriously.
And secondly, the paper writes marijuana retailers in Gqeberha are unsure of what to do after Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced a ban on the sale, manufacture, and import of food products containing marijuana.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is fighting back against the numerous claims brought against the department.
And secondly, it is reported a mother and child have been electrocuted by an illegal electrical connection.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the ministry of Health and Social Services has denied that unoccupied units in two state-run homes for the elderly in Windhoek have been empty for years.
Then the paper writes the Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia is investigating allegations of corruption against the CEO of the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company, Fluksman Samuehl.
And finally, a Namibian geologist is reported to be warning that the in situ leaching of uranium in the drinking water of the Stampriet Basin should not be allowed.