The headlines of the leading newspapers on 23 April 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports Eskom CEO Dan Marokane says the electricity supplier has avoided the higher diesel prices due to the Middle East conflict by using existing stocks and reducing the use of diesel. However, he warns that this cannot continue indefinitely.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the DA will lay criminal charges against the minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe. This is related to undeclared utility vehicles from Chinese officials. Tolashe initially said the vehicles were for the ANC Women’s League, but it has since emerged that her children are allegedly using the vehicles.
And secondly, the website writes about the memorial service for award-winning TV star Johnny Davids, which was held at the Friend of God Church in Goodwood.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the ANC has put Senzo Mchunu’s return on hold for the time being as the party has not yet ratified his appointment to the NEC.
And secondly, the paper reports the Johannesburg metro police have impounded more than 80 taxis.
# Sowetan:
Reports on the Dulcie September Primary School in Rabie Ridge, where parents have closed the school due to dangerous conditions for learners. More than two-thousand children are currently at home. The Gauteng Education Department says it will set up temporary classrooms within two weeks.
# And The Citizen:
Writes the government is currently considering another taxpayer bailout for South African Airways. However, experts say the real problems are not being addressed.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports on the tense relationship between the ANC and SACP after the latter decided to contest this year’s elections independently. The Communist Party has warned that it will not allow the ANC to bully it. The ANC’s announcement this week of a deadline for SACP members to indicate whether they will canvass for the ANC has added to the tension.
And secondly, the paper writes there is good news for the winter. Eskom has announced that it does not foresee any load-shedding.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the video footage of the speaker of the Bitou municipality, Mavis Busakwe, brandishing a firearm during a public ceremony is still making headlines and there are several calls for an urgent investigation.
And secondly, the paper writes although Makhanda is in a terrible condition, the National Arts Festival will still go ahead.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Reports there are serious concerns about the activities of Operation Dudula. The group targets immigrants from Africa and is allegedly guilty of bundu-law and handing out their own punishment.
And secondly, the paper also writes about the tension between the ANC and the SACP. Today is D-day for the agreement between the alliance partners.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the European company Alda Seafood Holdings has issued an official apology for its alleged role in Namibia’s Fishrot scandal, which contributed to job losses and the misuse of Namibia’s fishery resources.
Secondly, the paper writes an investigation is being conducted into the operations and effectiveness of the Namibia Training Authority.
And finally, there is news about the grief of the Marienthal community after the death of their young hockey captain, 13-year-old Kondjeni Beukes.