The headlines of the leading newspapers on 27 June 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the government of national unity has been shaken by president Cyril Ramaphosa’s dismissal of the DA’s deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield. DA leader John Steenhuisen says there is no legal basis for the move. The paper writes Steenhuisen told the National Assembly that the decision puts South Africa’s future at stake.
# Mail & Guardian on Fridays:
Writes about the struggle of the indigenous residents embroiled in a land dispute over towns owned by the Moravian Church.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the police have unveiled a new plan against serious crime. Police minister Senzo Mchunu said in Parliament that Operation Shanela 2 will focus on the top 35 crime hotspots in the country.
Secondly, the website also writes about the dismissal of Whitfield and reports on the DA’s 48-hour ultimatum that Steenhuisen gave Ramaphosa to get rid of corrupt members in the cabinet. Steenhuisen says Whitfield stood in the way of theft.
And finally, it is reported that the Bloubergstrand couple accused of sexually abusing their two underage daughters will face 25 charges.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Ramaphosa has strongly criticised the continued failure of government departments to fully utilise their allocated budgets, describing it as nothing less than “treason” against the citizens of the country.
# Sowetan:
Reports there are renewed efforts to remove Danny Jordaan as president of SAFA. Four regions want to prevent him from acting as chairperson at the soccer association’s congress tomorrow.
# And The Citizen:
Also writes about Steenhuisen’s ultimatum and serious warning that the DA will break up the government of national unity over the matter.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also reports on Steenhuisen’s 48-hour ultimatum to Ramaphosa over the dismissal of Whitfield.
And secondly, the paper writes about the storm damage in the Western Cape that affects up to a thousand people, and there is news about a woman who rescued a Grade One learner from the stormwater.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports that GOOD councillor Lawrence Troon of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro’s controversial statements have already landed him in trouble in the past. In the latest incident, he made explosive statements about two high-ranking businessmen on social media.
And secondly, the paper writes Makhanda is ready for a creative outburst over the next two weeks with the National Arts Festival, which opened yesterday.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Also writes about Steenhuisen’s ultimatum to Ramaphosa.
And reports about a police vehicle that was set on fire and a newborn baby that was found in Imbali.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be 100 days in office on Sunday and her performance is being evaluated by political commentators. It is her indecision that is being criticised in particular.