The headlines of the leading newspapers on 16 September 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Is the first of many newspapers to report on president Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with ANC councillors yesterday. The paper writes the meeting indicates concerns about next year’s election. Ramaphosa told the councillors it was either service delivery or death.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports on the suspension of lieutenant general Shadrack Sibiya shortly before the start of the Madlanga Commission and on the MK Party’s anger that the commission is continuing.
Secondly, the website writes the controversial Lilian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg has now been opened to pedestrians and traffic, but the city says that street vendors will not be allowed.
And finally, it is reported that the murder case against Sonell Joubert for the murder of Jurgens Nel has been withdrawn for the time being. The NPA says it will investigate the case further. Joubert is the owner of Tswale Educational Elephant Interactions.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the Department of Transport has gazetted the National Land Transport Amendment Act, which recognises e-taxi platforms as part of South Africa’s public transport system. Some of the role players in the sector have criticised the regulations as short-sighted, reactive, and lacking vision.
# Sowetan:
Reports Ramaphosa’s call to ANC councillors to go and see what the DA is doing right in Cape Town has been sharply criticised by councillors. They say he is sabotaging the ANC.
# And The Citizen:
Also writes about Ramaphosa’s message to ANC councillors to go and see what the DA is doing right in Cape Town.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also reports about Ramaphosa’s briefing session to ANC councillors nationwide in which he referred to the DA’s success. He made it clear that if councillors do not do their part, heads will roll.
And secondly, the paper writes about two sisters, 24-year-old Connor and 22-year-old Cassidy Moodley who died when the vehicle they were travelling in burst its tyre and went off the road. The accident happened outside Britstown. Their sister Storm survived the accident.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports the mayor of the OR Tambo District Municipality, Mesuli Ngqondwana, says he will ensure that all his staff learn sign language.
And secondly, the paper writes a taxi driver from Buffalo City was shot dead while trying to arrest a suspected copper thief.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes there are serious concerns about the safety of taxi transport to schools after last week’s accident that claimed the lives of three learners.
And secondly, reports an elephant caretaker, Israel Shambira, died at the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development Reserve when an elephant mauled him.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports a 33-year-old man allegedly murdered his two children in Onanki in Omuntele. According to the police, the victims are a four-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy.
And secondly, the paper writes the government says the late activist, advocate Anton Lubowski, does not qualify for war veterans’ benefits.