The headlines of the leading newspapers on 27 May 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola had to stand firm to defend the country’s foreign policy during the presentation of the department’s budget. Lamola says South Africa’s global diplomacy is aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and jobs at home.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports with the ANC referring five senior members to its Disciplinary Committee, the party’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, says former minister Bheki Cele decided to explain his alleged relationship with alleged gang boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
And secondly, the website writes Mbalula has meanwhile said that the issue of illegal immigrants is not a problem for the ANC at the ballot box.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Writes the National Prosecuting Authority has lodged a formal complaint with the Magistrates’ Commission against chief magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni, following court proceedings in the case involving Madoda Johannes Sibanyoni and others in Kwaggafontein. Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his co-accused are charged with extortion and money laundering.
# Sowetan:
Reports president Cyril Ramaphosa argues in legal documents before the Western Cape High Court that Judge Sandile Ngcobo acted outside his mandate in compiling the Phala Phala report.
# And The Citizen:
Writes debt counselling company DebtBusters says its latest figures indicate that more high-income earners are in financial difficulty.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports Ramaphosa has warned the National Assembly against continuing with impeachment proceedings against him. He informed the assembly of his intention to approach the courts to review and set aside the independent panel report, which found prima facie evidence of serious misconduct. He says the National Assembly cannot afford to be disgraced.
And secondly, the paper writes, with the price of coffee beans falling, instant coffee may soon cost less.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports on the long road of recovery ahead for the Gamtoos Valley after the floods caused massive damage to the infrastructure and agricultural industry.
And secondly, the newspaper writes about plans to involve the Nelson Mandela Bay Development Agency in the maintenance of heritage areas.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Firstly, also writes about Ramaphosa’s action against the Phala Phala report.
And secondly, it is reported that the standing committee on Public Accounts has summoned the Msunduzi Municipality to answer questions about investigations that the Special Investigation Unit is conducting in the municipality.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports the Eheke education district in the Oshana region consists of 25 schools, but only a single school offers boarding facilities to just 400 learners.
And secondly, the paper writes the ministry of Health and Social Services says rural health facilities are increasingly dependent on foreign workers.