The headlines of the leading newspapers on 03 October 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the ANC has admitted that criminal networks have infiltrated its ranks, helped the failure of government projects and undermined public trust. The ANC’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, says the party has been infiltrated by criminal elements, including organised cartels, who are damaging the organisation.
# Mail & Guardian on Fridays:
Leads with: “MASHABA VS ZILLE” The paper writes that there is a perception that voters are afraid of the DA.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, may not have committed suicide. This is according to his brother, Khulekani, the family’s point of view. He says they are waiting for the French police’s preliminary report which will be released on Sunday.
Secondly, the website writes experts are of the opinion that EFF leader, Julius Malema, could indeed serve a prison sentence for the arms offences of which he was found guilty.
And finally, it is reported that Rensche and Anton Bougas, the parents of the controversial Anthonie, say they will give their full cooperation to determine what went wrong at Kleuterzone.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the Special Investigation Unit’s interim report has exposed how the syndicates bypassed standard tender processes to loot the Tembisa Hospital of more than two-billion-rand. The investigation found that corrupt officials conspired with service providers to exploit weaknesses in the procurement system.
# Sowetan:
Reports the ANC has requested that the UN take action on the Gaza aid boats seized by Israel. The paper writes Ndaba Mandela says the family has reached out to contacts in the US to help secure the release of his nephew, and grandson of former president Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, who was on one of the boats.
# And The Citizen:
Leads with “SA’S HIDDEN SEX TRADE”. The paper writes thousands of South African women use online platforms to earn a tax-free extra income. The industry is about six-billion-rand a year strong.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Leads with the same story about Nathi Mthethwa as Netwerk24.
And secondly, it is reported a brave firefighter has climbed 20 metres up a pine tree in Hartenbos to rescue the African Grey parrot, Floki.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Also reports on Mandla Mandela and writes the Mandela family is praying for his safe return.
And secondly, the paper writes the Mthatha Arts Centre is too important to be closed.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes there are increasing demands from national and international quarters for Mandla Mandela to be released.
And secondly, the paper writes the police have seized counterfeit Springbok merchandise.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports from gambling machines to parking meters will have to be upgraded to handle the new banknote and coin series.
Secondly, the paper writes more than 700 children under five die annually from preventable diseases because only 45-percent of Namibian households have access to handwashing facilities.
And finally, there is news about a Namibian farm girl who is living her dreams in the British Navy.