The headlines of the leading newspapers on 18 June 2026:
NATIONAL:
# Business Day:
Reports a steel tariff of 52-percent has been introduced despite warnings about its impact on building costs in townships. The paper writes there are concerns about the impact of the steel tax on the cost of housing for the poor.
# And the Netwerk24 website:
Reports the content of the US-Iran peace agreement has been made public. It consists of 14 points that ultimately outline a settlement. It provides for further negotiations within 60 days in Switzerland.
And secondly, the website writes that according to sources in the DA, there are those who feel that decisions are being made without proper consultation.
GAUTENG:
# The Star:
Reports a billion rand was spent on repairs to 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane and the work is still not completed.
And secondly, it is reported farmers are delighted with the removal of John Steenhuisen as minister of Agriculture.
# Sowetan:
Leads with: “WHY THE GATE CLOSED ON JOHN”. The paper reports that the removal of John Steenhuisen gives president Cyril Ramaphosa the opportunity to introduce other changes as well.
# And The Citizen:
Writes that the removal of Steenhuisen is simply an attempt by the DA to apply damage control.
WESTERN CAPE:
# Die Burger:
Reports extensively on all the moves in the DA that affect various cabinet positions. The paper writes the DA leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has cleaned house and John Steenhuisen’s days are numbered.
And secondly, the paper writes Parliament can tomorrow consider the so-called fit and proper rule that comes into play in Ramaphosa’s impeachment inquiry.
EASTERN CAPE:
# The Herald in Gqeberha:
Reports Geordin Hill-Lewis supported the appointment of Yusuf Cassim as deputy minister of Higher Education and Training in the government of national unity.
And secondly, the paper writes that there is speculation about the future plans of Andile Lunga.
KWAZULU-NATAL:
# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:
Writes about the clash between the police and Malawian citizens waiting to be repatriated in Durban.
And secondly, it reports about the business rescue agreement that ensures the survival of Tongaat Hulett.
And finally from NAMIBIA:
# Republikein in Windhoek:
Reports a group of employees of the minister of Agriculture’s Department for Land is demanding millions in unpaid travel and accommodation allowances. The group claims that the ministry never amended their contracts and changed their duty station from Nkurenkuru to Rundu.
And secondly, the paper writes the residents of Walvis Bay describe the murder of a beloved long-time resident, the artist Barbara Geschke, as the death of a piece of the town’s history.