The headlines of the leading newspapers on 15 May 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says Eskom’s maintenance delays have dropped to levels last seen in 2023. He says it is a by-product of a management problem and he has had tough and frank discussions with Eskom management, including CEO, Dan Marokane.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports a member of parliament from the MK Party, Wesley Douglas, said in the portfolio committee on International Relations and Cooperation the facts do not support the Afrikaner refugee nonsense. He says crime is a South African problem and white people are protected more than any other group.
Then the website writes president Cyril Ramaphosa will meet with president Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. It is not yet clear who will accompany him.
And finally, it is reported the body of 11-year-old Jayden Lee Meek was found on the stairs at the Swazi Place housing complex in Fleurhof, Johannesburg. He was reported missing on Tuesday evening.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes a man accused of starting two fires at Tembisa Hospital has confessed to the crime and implicated the hospital’s security chief. The paper reports this raises serious concerns about a possible cover-up of a major corruption investigation.
And secondly, it is reported the release of the minutes of a closed-door meeting between the ANC and leaders of the Afrikaner community has reignited the debate on race relations. The paper writes critics have accused both sides of deepening divisions rather than building bridges.
# Sowetan:
Reports one of the suspects in the murder case of a journalist and his partner, Sello Uoane, has had his parole suspended twice in the past. The first time for rape and the second for possession of an illegal firearm.
# And The Citizen:
Writes Finance minister Enoch Godongwana says he has no intention of using wealth tax to supplement the state’s budget deficit.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports leaders of organised agriculture said at the Nampo Harvest Day at Bothaville in the Free State that there are very few farmers interested in leaving for America as refugees.
Then the paper writes the liquidation of the controversial Kleuterzone Group has been completed.
And finally, it is reported that late applications for admission to Western Cape schools in 2026 close tomorrow.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports an investigation is underway after murder suspect Karen Webb was allegedly hit in the face with a fire extinguisher during a prison fight and stabbed with a sharp object by a fellow inmate.
And secondly, the paper writes Manfred and Leigh Meyer were killed when a vehicle hit them while they were walking their dog. The driver of the vehicle allegedly lost control.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli has pledged to fight for the survival of Ithala Bank.
And secondly, there is news about twins who obtained their law degrees together.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports a lawmaker from the National Council, Paulus Mbangu, says the Budget Bill continues to support an urban development model that exacerbates the inequalities between urban and rural areas.
Then the paper writes six former members of Parliament from the Popular Democratic Movement are suing the party, the Electoral Commission and the National Assembly for compensation worth millions.
And finally, there is news about a Namibian’s passion for African music that led to the establishment of the African Music Academy of Canada in Edmonton, Canada.