The headlines of the leading newspapers on 31 March 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George will make a far-reaching announcement today regarding Eskom’s application for exemption from minimum emission standards at eight of its coal-fired power stations.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie stated on his Facebook page last night that the missing Joshlin Smith is still alive.
Then the website writes the DA says it will have to reconsider its position in the government of national unity if the government finds support for the budget outside the coalition.
And finally, it is reported the national executive committee of the ANC has decided that South Africa must do everything in its power to protect relations with the USA.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes Johannesburg mayor, Dada Morero has intervened in the renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Road. He has referred it back for public input.
And secondly, the US is reported to have cut its cooperation with the South African military.
# Sowetan:
Reports three employees of the Sedibeng Vehicle Licensing Department allegedly stole 4.5-million-rand in just four days and were later reprimanded at an internal disciplinary hearing. The Road Traffic Management Corporation has now engaged the Hawks to investigate the municipal management’s alleged involvement in the theft.
# And The Citizen:
Writes about the results of a study by the University of Johannesburg which found that dangerous cancer-causing chemicals are present in the Klipriver. Sixty-percent of the country’s rivers are in dire condition.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Leads with the death of 23-year-old Tylo Johean Afrikaner from Tygerberg shortly after he was hit on the head during a rugby match.
And secondly, a driver who was allegedly driving under the influence has been arrested after running two joggers off the road on Victoria Road in Bantry Bay. One of the joggers, a woman, is in a serious condition.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports crumbling infrastructure, power outages, and a lack of security are having a negative impact on schools during the holidays. With the increase in vandalism, some schools have deployed guard dogs at the schools.
And secondly, the paper writes there have been five victims on the notorious R-75 that connects Gqeberha to Kariega in the past two weeks.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes about the death and destruction after the earthquake in Myanmar.
And reports about a family along the N3 whose house is repeatedly flooded.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the Namibian police have confirmed that they are investigating allegations of the rape of a girl who was 16 years old at the time of the alleged incident.
Then the paper writes that the /Khomanin Traditional Community reclaimed their ancestral land over the weekend, 69 years after their forced removal.
And finally, it is reported the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has warned the public not to take selfies with wild animals.