The headlines of the leading newspapers on 28 April 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports on South Africa’s AI dilemma after it emerged the policy was based on fake academic sources. The paper writes human oversight is still the best.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the poor turnout yesterday at president Cyril Ramaphosa’s Freedom Day message indicates, according to analysts, that the ANC’s support is slipping further.
Secondly, the website writes that almost 80 motorists were arrested countrywide during the long weekend for trying to bribe traffic officers.
And finally, it is reported that 31-year-old Cole Allen, who allegedly tried to shoot president Donald Trump, has appeared in court.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Firstly, writes about Ramaphosa’s warning against xenophobia during his Freedom Day message. He said people cannot allow hatred to take over in their relationship with fellow Africans.
And secondly, the paper reports an off-duty police constable who was trying to investigate a shooting incident at a tavern in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, was shot dead in the early hours of Sunday morning.
# Sowetan:
Reports while Ramaphosa rallied against the theft of public money and said that every rand stolen is an attack on democracy, the residents of Sebokeng are still waiting for a clinic that has already cost 20.9-million-rand.
# And The Citizen:
Writes concerns about the availability of jet fuel continue as supplies are uncertain for the next six weeks. The paper reports this affects all Southern African airlines and could result in the suspension of several flights.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports the minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has withdrawn the draft policy on Artificial Intelligence after it was found to contain fake sources. Malatsi says stronger measures for artificial intelligence validation will be introduced to protect the credibility of policy frameworks.
And secondly, the paper writes Chantel Vermeulen died in a car accident on Saturday night at one of the busiest intersections in Brackenfell. The police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the main reservoirs in Gqeberha are under serious pressure due to poor management and excessive water use. The same applies to the Impofu Dam, which is only 40-percent full.
And writes the Grey High School in Gqeberha ended their rugby festival on a high note this past weekend with a 34-12 victory over Glenwood.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Firstly, also writes about South Africa’s AI dilemma.
And secondly, it is reported there is good progress in opening up South Africa’s rail network to freight transport.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the Namibian Dental Association has stopped all treatment of members of the Namibia Health Plan, unless the patients are prepared to pay out of their own pocket and claim it back themselves.
And secondly, the paper writes that Namibian magistrates’ courts recorded 11-thousand-892 adjourned cases in March, with police investigations responsible for three-thousand-490 delays.