The headlines of the leading newspapers on 15 April 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports Mediclinic has halted non-essential new hires and offered severance packages of nearly two billion rand to make way for the group’s move towards artificial intelligence. The hospital group’s chief operating officer, Bertrand Levrat, says the group must remain at the forefront of change to deliver high-quality care.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports about 25-year-old Amber-Lee Hughes who allegedly drowned her ex-boyfriend’s little girl, four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita, in a bathtub. Hughes denies guilt, but it is alleged that she wanted to get back at her boyfriend, Ellie Challita.
Then the website writes the value of the rand has strengthened after more political certainty was gained over the weekend about the government of national unity.
And finally, it is reported the levels of the Vaal River have started to drop, but residents of Christiana and Bloemhof have suffered major damage.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes an investigation has uncovered an alleged syndicate involving senior ANC members and suspicious foreign educational institutions to appoint candidates with inferior qualifications to South African positions. The paper reports Ekurhuleni councillor Joe Mojapelo has now joined the fight to expose the fraud.
# Sowetan:
Reports nearly 50-percent of recipients of the 370-rand grant have not yet been paid. The reason is mainly because the recipients do not know how to apply.
# And The Citizen:
Writes billionaire Elon Musk’s father Errol says president Cyril Ramaphosa has written to Elon and asked if he can help restore the US’s ties with the country.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports 35-year-old Shireen Matthews of Strandfontein has appeared in court in connection with the Wynberg courthouse assassination. She allegedly hired members of the Junky Funky Kidz gang to commit the murder.
Then the paper writes the production house of the head of the Kleuterzone Group, Anthonie Bougas, was finally sequestered on Monday.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports there are no surprises awaiting president Ramaphosa on his visit to Nelson Mandela Bay today. The city is still filthy, falling apart and crime dictates daily life.
And secondly, the paper writes a huge new ship-to-harbour crane was unveiled in the Port Elizabeth harbour yesterday.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes according to the latest opinion polls, the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal is busy gaining support.
And secondly, it is reported a local undertaker has won an award.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the government wants to build five-thousand affordable houses in the informal settlements in Khomas in the next twelve months.
Then the paper writes tensions at the Auas Primary School are near breaking point with a community activist and members of the /Khomanin Traditional Community threatening to close the school’s doors if the principal is not removed.
And finally, there is news about a blind mother of two trying to make ends meet in a plastic bag shack.