The headlines of the leading newspapers on 01 August 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the government has apparently accepted the US tariff of 30-percent is a fait accompli and has begun to introduce emergency measures to counteract the impact. The paper writes the government fears the tariff will deter investment, especially at a time when the country is trying to increase industrial production, strengthen the economy, and create millions of jobs.
# Mail & Guardian on Fridays:
Writes about the so-called ruthless water mafias who sabotage infrastructure and manipulate profits on water.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports the EFF leader, Julius Malema, and the chair of the portfolio committee on the Police, Ian Cameron, are two of the MPs who will serve on the committee to investigate corruption in the police.
Then the website writes a 76-year-old cyclist from Cape Town, Dennis Hammar, died after being attacked with a bottle and robbed on Sunday.
And finally, there is a report on the winner of kykNET’s reality show Die Brug.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the South African government says it has put in place several alternative mechanisms to prevent the proposed US 30 percent tariff on South African exporters before today’s deadline.
And secondly, it is reported that the families of the trapped Lily mine victims may now see action after nine years. The process of recovering the cargo container in which the deceased were trapped is expected to begin within the next two months. It will cost approximately R800 million.
# Sowetan:
Reports Nkosana Makate, who is suing Vodacom for the rights to the Please call me feature, will now have to return to the Court of Appeal to settle his claim, according to a decision of the Constitutional Court. The case has been dragging on for 24 years.
# And The Citizen:
Writing to authorities that want to tax Solar Power with registration fees, AfriForum warned that no authority is empowered to levy fees.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports on the plans being considered at the eleventh hour regarding the American 30-percent tariff that comes into effect today. The paper writes the Trump administration is now expecting a counterproposal from South Africa.
Secondly, there is a report on the 500-thousand white South Africans who have left the country in the past 25 years.
And finally, there is news about the fastest snail’s penchant for beer.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports the victims of the floods in the Eastern Cape must now leave the guesthouses in which they were temporarily housed because housing is available.
And secondly, the paper writes the patients at the Frere Clinic are suffering from the chaotic filing system at the institution.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes a local chief, Simphiwe Zuma, appeared in court in Howick in connection with the murder of DA councillor, Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
And secondly, there is also a report on the so-called Please call me case. The paper writes that it has suffered a setback in the Constitutional Court.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the merger of Vivo and Engen has had dire consequences. This is allegedly detrimental to Namibian employees and top management who previously worked for Engen and is putting pressure on Namibian gas station owners.
And secondly, the paper writes there is a buzz in Rehoboth about developments at Reho Spa after it was announced that the popular relaxation spot will also be used as a rehabilitation centre in the future.