The headlines of the leading newspapers on 20 March 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has lashed out at environmental groups who oppose oil and gas exploration on the West Coast and hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo. The minister is calling for more drilling and less focus on renewable energy.
# The Mail & Guardian which is published today due to the holiday tomorrow:
Writes the internal debate in the EFF continues on the contentious issue of whether the party will support the budget or not.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports MPs in the portfolio committee on Police said it is wrong to create the perception that there is a targeted genocide of white farmers. The crime statistics do not support this.
And secondly, the website writes about the load-shedding that was imposed until five o’clock this morning due to a loss of five generation units.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes health experts believe that the end of US funding in this sector could result in the loss of as many as 15-thousand jobs.
And secondly, the paper reports on the new Rand Easter Show, which is preparing for 80-thousand visitors. It starts on April 12 and runs for five days.
# Sowetan:
Reports 12 matriculants at the Pre-Primary Achievers School in Florida on the West Rand are in limbo after the school was closed by the Department of Education.
# And The Citizen:
Writes Rand Water CEO Sipho Mosai told Parliament that it is the consumer’s fault that there is not enough water because South Africans use too much water.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports deputy minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel may succeed Ebrahim Rasool as ambassador to the US. Although many former ambassadors believe he is a good choice, the Presidency says these are mere rumours.
And secondly, the paper writes about the altercation between a customer and an employee at the Mcdonald’s in Kenilworth that spread like wildfire on social media.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the withdrawal of Nelson Mandela Bay Lifeguards from the upcoming Isuzu Ironman Africa Championship, has forced the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to respond quickly to address concerns.
And secondly, the paper writes about a man in a wheelchair who was scammed by a bank teller when he wanted to replace his bank card.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes a shocking figure of municipal debt of 386-billion-rand has been disclosed.
And reports efforts are being made to save the African penguin.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports some members of the Independent Patriots for Change are still dissatisfied with the selection process for members of Parliament.
And secondly, the paper today publishes the annual scorecard of cabinet members’ achievements – or under achievements.