The headlines of the leading newspapers on 08 October 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the standing committee on Public Accounts, or Scopa, yesterday began an oversight investigation into the Road Accident Fund. The move begins a concentrated investigation into allegations of impropriety that will force the fund, which is under financial pressure, to turn to Treasury for funds.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Today reports about the sensational Stefan Smit murder case in the High Court in Cape Town. One of the accused, Smit’s widow, Zurenah, allegedly approached a friend of Smit, John Houston, shortly after the murder and begged him for possible bail money of 400-thousand-rand. He testified that he already suspected at that stage that she was involved in the murder.
Then the website writes lieutenant general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told the parliamentary ad hoc committee that the crime syndicates that have infiltrated the justice system are operating nationwide and not just isolated in certain provinces.
And finally, the Israel Premier Tech cycling team is reported to have changed its name to move away from its Israeli identity. This comes after the team was harassed by pro-Palestinian protesters.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes three unions representing medical workers and nurses have demanded stricter action against the syndicates, and officials of the Gauteng Department of Health who exploited lower-level workers and implicated them in the massive corruption at Tembisa Hospital.
# Sowetan:
Reports the government is considering a proposal to pay lump sums to recipients of social emergency grants to encourage entrepreneurship. Some economists believe this could stimulate growth.
# And The Citizen:
Writes that while the Road Traffic Management Corporation is struggling financially, they are hosting a four-day road safety debate for teenagers that will cost almost two-million-rand. Almost 300 teenagers are being housed in a luxury Casino resort that is not at all suitable for teenagers.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Has the same lead as Netwerk24 on the Stefan Smit murder case.
And secondly, the paper writes for the first time ever, renewable energy sources generated more power worldwide in the first half of the year than coal.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports three teachers whose names appear on the sex offenders list are still in posts at schools.
And secondly, the paper writes the struggling Eastern Cape Department of Health wasted 40-million-rand on incorrect payments.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes Visvin Reddy of the MK Party says no deal has been struck with the ANC.
And secondly, it is reported Lee Maree of Oslo Beach in KwaZulu-Natal is safe after being caught in the severe storm on Mount Everest.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports Meatco says a final report of a comprehensive audit of the ammonia system at its Windhoek abattoir, which an employee believes poses a danger to workers, is expected in 6 to 8 weeks.
Then the paper writes the Landless People’s Movement accuses the speaker of allegedly supporting Germany in a lawsuit that is contrary to the official negotiations for compensation.
And finally, there is news about the first black female winemaker from Delheim, who does not care much for a snobbish view of wine.