The headlines of the leading newspapers on 14 May 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports Transnet has taken drastic steps to reform the national rail network by appointing 11 private companies to manage the service. The companies include Grindrod, MSC, and Menar.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Firstly, reports the Cape storms have so far claimed ten lives. Hundreds of people have been left homeless. There are still communities cut off from the outside world by the floods. Dozens of people have also been rescued from the floodwaters.
And secondly, the website writes the ANC’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, says a NEC meeting has been called for tonight to discuss the Phala Phala ruling. President Cyril Ramaphosa has been asked not to attend the meeting.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes Ramaphosa has announced a new round of judicial appointments aimed at strengthening the country’s courts and improving the administration of justice across various divisions of the judiciary. The appointments range from the Court of Appeal, the Gauteng High Court, to the Eastern and Western Cape divisions of the High Court.
# Sowetan:
Reports on a taxi boss known as Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni from Mpumalanga who appeared in the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court with two co-suspects. He allegedly threatened the manager of a local mine to pay 2.2-million-rand in protection money.
# And The Citizen:
Writes Ramaphosa’s decision to stand firm against the charges against him has derailed those who conspired against him. However, sources in the ANC say the fight is not over yet.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Also reports extensively on the Cape storms. The paper has pictures of the storm damage and writes that many mountain passes are still closed.
And secondly, the paper writes the so-called Kruger National Park speeder, Petrus Janse van Rensburg, has apologised for his antics. SANParks, however, says he will still face the consequences.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports Nelson Mandela Bay’s new acting city manager, Charity Sihunu, has been warned that she is entering a snake pit.
And secondly, the paper writes that a fake name change to Mathitipipi for Port Alfred, which was spread in a hoax report, has social media buzzing.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Also writes about the ANC meeting during which the fate of Ramaphosa will be discussed.
And secondly, it is reported that the Comrades Marathon will henceforth start at a quarter to six and six to make better use of daylight.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Today is Ascension Day, and there is no edition of the newspaper.