The headlines of the leading newspapers on 22 April 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports economic policymakers meeting in Washington this week will try to reboot the global trading system. International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva says their growth projections are down but she does not foresee a recession.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Has a variety of reports on the passing of Pope Francis including the worldwide tributes, president Cyril Ramaphosa saying the pope was a bridge builder, the crowds gathering in Vatican City, and the election process for a new pope.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes there is internal division in the ANC over Ramaphosa’s consideration of appointing a white Afrikaner as the new South African ambassador to the US. The paper reports according to sources within the party, the move is seen as an attempt to repair ties with US president Donald Trump.
And secondly, reports the death of Pope Francis provides an opportunity for the Catholic Church to reform.
# Sowetan:
Reports it costs 300-rand to enter South Africa illegally from Zimbabwe. The paper writes about intensified action at the Beitbridge border which led to the arrest of more than a thousand illegal immigrants.
# And The Citizen:
Writes nearly 500 cases of lawyers who stole from their clients are still pending. The Law Society of South Africa says it undermines the public’s faith in the legal profession.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
First of all, pays tribute to the Pope.
Then it is reported 72-year-old Jack van der Spuy from Somerset West was probably murdered before his house was set on fire. Two suspects have been arrested.
And finally, the paper writes about the police dog Night who helped catch a burglar in Gqeberha even though he had a gaping knife wound to his neck.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports tourism operators in Nelson Mandela Bay believe the metro is asleep about its potential to be a holiday destination of choice. This is the third consecutive year that accommodation bookings have decreased.
And secondly, the paper writes the residents of Oyster Bay are upset about an application by Schoenmakers Mining to mine part of the pristine beach in front of the town.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the government is considering not introducing the VAT increase.
And secondly, the paper also pays tribute to the late Pope.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the Namibian Competition Commission has granted an extension to Ultimate Safaris and three conservation areas after a meeting with the ministry of the Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
And secondly, the paper writes five people were killed and more than 24 injured on Namibian roads during the Easter weekend.