The headlines of the leading newspapers on 13 August 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the government is expected to grant a five-year extension to South African exporters to jointly bear shipping costs, intelligence and infrastructure as part of a massive effort to keep goods competitive in the face of US tariffs.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the National Dialogue is increasingly gaining resistance. The MK Party and the Freedom Front Plus have now also withdrawn their support. AfriForum and Solidarity will also not participate, mainly because they believe the ANC has hijacked the dialogue.
Secondly, the website writes that 39-year-old Mark Duffar-Roberts, who was found guilty of raping a minor in Centurion, has been tracked down and arrested in Mozambique. He fled in December before he could be sentenced.
And finally, there is news about South African batsman Dewald Brevis’ breakthrough innings against Australia.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes taxpayers have paid 779-million-rand over the past five years to provide private security at state properties across the country. There are about 318 properties currently protected by private security companies.
And secondly, it is reported the pop icon Madonna has requested Pope Leo to travel to Gaza, where a serious humanitarian crisis is unfolding.
# Sowetan:
“A TICKING TIME BOMB”. This is how the newspaper refers to the ever-rising unemployment rate in the country. The paper reports the current situation will deteriorate further due to the US tariffs.
# And The Citizen:
Writes Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya could be locked up if she does not urgently implement a 2022 court order to upgrade the Fresh Produce Market.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Leads with the same lead story as Netwerk24 on the National Dialogue.
And secondly, it is reported officials in coastal towns are on alert after bird flu broke out among wild birds for the first time since last year.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Firstly, reports about the new Student Life Centre to be built at Fort Hare University and the economic benefit it will bring.
And writes the police have launched a manhunt after a man and his pregnant wife were shot.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes the minister of Trade and Industry, Parks Tau, has confirmed that South Africa will present a new offer to Washington as part of ongoing trade negotiations.
And secondly, there is news about the tons of drugs that have been seized in prisons.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports that the growing cost of security for rhinos is causing many private owners to get rid of their animals.
And secondly, the newspaper writes that Enercon Namibia is claiming 484-million rand in damages from the Ministry of Defence over the alleged cancellation of its fuel supply agreement.