The headlines of the leading newspapers on 11 August 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports South Africa has not yet been affected by US President Donald Trump’s far-reaching visa restrictions on countries in the Southern African Development Community. Trump says the measures were introduced to ensure that people do not overstay their welcome.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports the teacher at the Duineveld Hoërskool in Upington, who is accused of so-called ‘blackface’, only participated in the sports rally, according to the school. There are also rumours that his face was actually painted blue like the school colour.
Secondly, the website writes the chairman of the portfolio committee on the Police, Ian Cameron, says newspaper reports that the commissioner of police, general Fannie Masemola, and other senior officers are going to be arrested over land transactions are extremely negative for the police. The Hawks said they are not aware of such an investigation.
And finally, there is a report about the 41-7 defeat that the Bulls received from the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes president Donald Trump is being heavily criticized for what is known as a so-called ‘third country’ scheme to send criminals to Africa. Activists, analysts, and human rights organisations are concerned about the security risks that the deportation of hardened criminals could pose for Swaziland and the Southern Region.
And secondly, former President Thabo Mbeki is reported to have withdrawn from the National Dialogue because he believes the project will cost too much.
# Sowetan:
Reports Treasury has already cut costs in several areas of the proposed National Dialogue. Flight costs are being curbed, there is a ceiling on accommodation spending, and the purchase of smartphones has been stopped.
# And The Citizen:
Writes online gambling in South Africa continues unchecked without any warning about addiction. According to the latest figures, gambling addiction in the country has increased by 40-percent.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Firstly, reports the minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean McPherson, says he rejects the idea that the taxpayer should pay 39-million-rand to renovate the tent in which Parliament sits.
And secondly, the paper also writes about the blackface teacher from Upington.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports there is a major setback for Nelson Mandela Bay as international container shipping company Maersk plans to scale back its operations to the US.
And secondly, the paper writes there are numerous calls for an urgent investigation into police corruption in the Bay
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the morgue in Howick is in a terrible state.
And reports an audit of the salary account in Msunduzi indicates that quite a few dead workers and those behind bars are still claiming overtime.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports that foreign tourists are increasingly being extorted at the Kupferberg roadblock.
And secondly, the paper writes Namibian police chief, lieutenant general Joseph Shikongo, warns women against posting nude photos on social media, as it leads to subsequent cyberbullying.