The headlines of the leading newspapers on 05 June 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the parliamentary committee on Finance has requested the National Treasury to consider the expansion of the VAT zero-rated basket and its approach to tax proposals to protect low and middle-income households. The paper writes the recommendations are included in the report on the fiscal framework and revenue proposals.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the Health Funders Association has now also filed a court case against the National Health Insurance Act. The organisation claims that the NHI will cost the country 941-billion-rand. This is the sixth court case against the law.
Secondly, the website writes deputy president Paul Mashatile and his wife’s visit to Japan cost the taxpayer 1.3-million-rand.
And finally, it is reported the accused who allegedly executed 35-year-old Nicci Janse van Rensburg in October 2022 on his farm near Roedtan in Limpopo has been identified in court.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes the Zamimpilo informal settlement community near Riverlea, south of Johannesburg, says the area has become a war zone after a shootout between illegal miners, community members and police resulted in the death of 59-year-old Jerome Lottering.
# Sowetan:
Reports the Special Investigation Unit is to freeze a property belonging to the director of the Southern African Youth Movement, Alfred Sigudhla. The property was allegedly purchased with 36-million-rand Lotto money that was supposed to be used for community projects.
# And The Citizen:
Writes healthcare institutions are increasingly being targeted by criminals. There have been armed robberies and rapes recently and in one incident a nurse was shot dead. Unions are now demanding that hospitals be better protected.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports on the murder of 73-year-old Karl Lauks of Tulbagh. His body was found in the driveway of his house. According to friends, Lauks had been the target of several robberies in recent months. The paper writes 29-year-old Steven Witbooi was arrested in connection with the murder and has already appeared in court.
Secondly, the paper writes international film productions bring about five-billion-rand to South Africa annually.
And finally, it is reported that Zimbabwe wants to cull dozens of elephants and give the meat to poor communities to eat.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports with Nelson Mandela Bay preparing to table its municipal budget today, there is tension over the large differences in capital project allocations between wards.
And secondly, the paper writes according to a report filed in the Vanessa van Rensburg murder case, she had 23 injuries on her body. The paper reports this is an indication that she was brutally assaulted and died violently.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the SACP intends to end its alliance with the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.
And secondly, it reports the MK Party is determined to amend the Constitution.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports Namibians whose parents were born abroad are increasingly struggling to renew their Namibian passports. These Namibians must prove to the ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security the immigration status of their parents at the time of their birth.
And secondly, the paper writes about protests against gender violence in Windhoek.