The headlines of the leading newspapers on 23 September 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports unfair dismissal cases account for more than half of the matters heard by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. Sectors such as safety, security, and retail are hardest hit as economic pressures lead to further staff reductions.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the police seized a cellphone and electronic equipment from the home of suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu in KwaZulu-Natal, following the issuance of a search-and-seizure warrant by the Johannesburg High Court. According to the police, the phone is linked to a case of defeating the ends of justice.
Secondly, the website reports the DA has lodged an urgent application with the Electoral Court, accusing the EFF, ActionSA, the MK Party, and the GOOD Party of deliberately concealing candidates from voters. The party states that this issue arises if parties win more seats than there are candidates on their proportional representation lists.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Also reports on the police seizure at Mchunu’s home. According to the paper, the suspended minister handed over the items without resistance, in the presence of his lawyer.
# Sowetan:
Leads with: “INSIDE SIBIYA’S RAPE CASE” and reports on the details of the case against suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. The paper writes the charges relate to soliciting lewd photos, sexual grooming, rape, and human trafficking involving teenagers.
# And The Citizen:
Leads with a story that made headlines yesterday: former President Thabo Mbeki’s potential role in resolving the impasse between the USA and South Africa.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports the Graaff-Reinet Forum has given the minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, until the end of September to reconsider the name change to Robert Sobukwe City. The forum states it will pursue the matter in court.
And secondly, there is news about a woman who was terrified out of her wits when she encountered a snake on her washing line.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Babalwa Lobishe, says ongoing power outages are being caused by companies consuming more electricity than they applied for.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Reports two learners were killed and three others seriously injured after armed men opened fire on them in KwaMashu, Durban. This latest incident follows less than a week after three Grade 12 learners were shot outside Bukimvelo High School in Hluhluwe.
Secondly, it is reported the Msunduzi Municipality is investigating allegations against mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla regarding the tampering of an electricity meter at a house he rented.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports while the Social Security Fund’s increase in maternity benefits—ordered by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah—is welcomed, the adjustment must be accompanied by greater support for families. Longer maternity leave and financial support for fathers are highlighted.
Secondly, the paper writes the government regards the movement of people across the Namibia-Angola border as a matter of mutual interest requiring close cooperation between the two countries. However, there is concern regarding the plight of displaced Angolan children.
Tomorrow is Heritage Day and there will be no issue of the Newspaper Report.