The headlines of the leading newspapers on 02 October 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports Johannesburg party leaders from the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, and ActionSA clashed fiercely in a debate regarding coalitions and corruption in the city. The parties also differed on issues of service delivery, housing, and immigration.
# Mail & Guardian:
Reports on the modus operandi of taxi bosses Bafana Sindane and Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, who allegedly earned millions from protection money.
The newspaper also features a special supplement today on the power of women.
# Die Papier:
Firstly, reports on the rescue plan for City Power. Experts believe it may be too little, too late, and that the utility company is teetering on the brink of financial collapse.
The paper also covers the rise in mass shooting incidents in the country. Crime expert Julian Rademeyer says most of these incidents are linked to rivalry between criminal networks.
Finally, the paper features an interview with the principal of Stellenberg High School, Yolandé Havinga; the school’s first rugby team has surprised everyone with its achievements this year.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports on the sex-related case against the suspended deputy police commissioner for crime detection, Shadrack Sibiya. During his bail application in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, testimony was presented regarding ten nude photos of the alleged 16-year-old grooming victim that he received, as well as a 51-minute telephone conversation he had with her. He allegedly also requested videos of her.
And secondly, the website reports president Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at an awards ceremony for teachers in Boksburg, said that the teacher in the classroom could never be replaced by artificial intelligence.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Reports the SACP has expressed concern that the arrest of its mayoral candidate in Knysna, Thando Matika—for allegedly extorting bribes from businesspeople holding contracts with the city council—is merely political manoeuvring. Matika was expelled from the ANC after being named the SACP’s mayoral candidate but refused to vacate his council seat.
# Sowetan:
Also reports on the sexual grooming charges against Sibiya. During Sibiya’s bail application, it was alleged that he had threatened the father of the 16-year-old victim, claiming he could wipe out their entire family.
# And The Citizen:
Reports a 63-year-old mother from Boipatong, south of Johannesburg, has to wear face masks every day—along with her 93-year-old father and her daughter—to escape the stench of raw sewage flowing freely in the streets.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports on the death of 16-year-old cyclist Lilitha Lombo, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident while out on a training ride on Steynsrust Road in Somerset West. The police have opened a culpable homicide docket. The paper also reports on other incidents in the Western Cape where cyclists were struck and killed by vehicles.
Secondly, there is news about a newborn baby boy weighing 6.37-kilograms.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports the people of Gqeberha—and the cricket community in particular—are very excited about the city hosting matches involving five nations at St George’s Park in 2027. Organisers say this will also make a significant economic contribution.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Did not publish a digital edition this morning.
And finally, from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the Kharas region has brought parts of the livestock and meat industry to a standstill. An abattoir has been closed, and employees have been sent on leave to cut operating costs.
Secondly, the paper reports a review conducted across ten regions has revealed shocking findings: medical waste is being dumped at a public site, contractors are accepting no responsibility, and a clinic is operating out of a tent.