The headlines of the leading newspapers on 20 May 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports Nissan is considering closing its South African assembly plant in Rosslyn, a move that will have a huge impact on the country’s manufacturing sector. The paper writes it is part of the Japanese carmaker’s global recovery plan that includes reducing staff by 20-thousand and consolidating its production plants from 17 to 10 over the next two years.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports experts are of the opinion that although not everyone is happy with the team that will meet with president Donald Trump, it is the best that South Africa can offer at this stage. The team also includes business people. It is representative of the government of national unity.
Then the website writes about the plane crash at the Middelburg airfield in Mpumalanga that claimed the lives of Quintin and Lezette Steyn on Sunday. They have two daughters, aged eight and 15 respectively.
And finally, there is news about the Russian-Ukrainian conflict where president Vladimir Putin has finally agreed to participate in peace talks.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Reports the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court is once again in the spotlight, not for justice, but for a crisis of alleged corruption, intimidation and failed service delivery that is leaving South Africans disillusioned and disempowered.
And secondly, the paper writes Johannesburg is busy preparing for icy weather conditions.
# Sowetan:
Reports on the violent protests in Diepkloof, Soweto yesterday over the private ownership of the hostel. Two people died in the protest. According to the paper, there is widespread confusion about the future of the hostel.
# And The Citizen:
Writes about DA leader John Steenhuisen’s dilemma as part of the South African delegation to Trump. Will he support the delegation’s unity or make statements about the country’s race policy?
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Has the same lead as Netwerk24 about South Africa’s team to meet with Trump.
And secondly, the paper writes four suspects have been arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a man from Kraaifontein.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports Aspen Pharmacare’s production facility in Gqeberha may cut 134 jobs as a direct result of contractual disruptions and US regulatory issues.
And secondly, the paper writes the ANC in Nelson Mandela Bay is currently trying to hold as many branch meetings as possible before its regional conference in June.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Warns its readers about the cold weather and snow that are on the way this week.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports according to a report by the ministry of Education, language, pregnancies and long distances are the main causes of thousands dropping out of school.
And secondly, the paper writes a mother from Rehoboth claims that her 36-year-old daughter did not receive the necessary medical attention at a hospital in the town and died in her arms.