The headlines of the leading newspapers on 16 July 2025:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports the government has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged the risk of a coup in a media briefing by the minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. She was commenting on the redacted version of the country’s National Security Strategy for 2024 to 28 that was approved by the cabinet in March 2024.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Also reports on the government’s handling of rumours of a possible coup. Ntshavheni says the government is aware of it and has put measures in place to prevent it.
Then the website writes the government is concerned that the DA is taking action against the special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas. The DA claims Jonas was denied entry to the US.
And finally, it is reported that the suspended minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, is continuing his duties as a member of Parliament and a member of the ANC’s NEC.
GAUTENG:
# The Star & Pretoria News:
Writes trust in the police in South Africa has reached its lowest level in 27 years, according to a survey by the Human Sciences Research Council. The survey shows that only 22-percent of South Africans expressed trust in the police. This is the lowest rating since the survey began in 1998.
# Sowetan:
Reports there is allegedly a misunderstanding about the prosecution of a 68-year-old suspect after 13-year-old Thando Pretty Mahlangu was run over and killed in Germiston. It appears that the police let the suspect off the hook.
# And The Citizen:
Writes with car exports to the US already down by 73-percent, president Donald Trump’s tariffs will have a deadly effect on the country’s car industry. The paper reports thousands of jobs will be lost.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also leads with the alleged refusal of Jonas to gain entry to the US. The paper reports according to the DA, the ANC has been aware of this since May.
And secondly, the paper also writes about Mchunu continuing his parliamentary duties despite being suspended.
EASTERN CAPE:
# Daily Despatch in East London:
Reports the MK Party has called on police officers to come forward and expose corruption.
And secondly, the paper writes the ANC will take action against drunken members who disrupt their meetings.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes about a giant python caught near the N-3.
And reports on Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ changes to the team.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports August 26 Holdings, a private state-owned company, has a 25-percent stake in Enercon, which is involved in a corruption scandal. It is alleged that August 26 has been involved in several questionable transactions in the past.