Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 05 November 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports the voter turnout in the local government elections could reshape the South African political landscape. The paper writes by late afternoon, more than 40-percent of South Africa’s voters had already cast their ballots.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports president Cyril Ramaphosa, after casting his vote yesterday, declined to comment on the potential formation of coalitions between the ANC and the DA.

Furthermore, the website writes more South Africans voted yesterday with a focus on service delivery compared to 2021. Ramaphosa described the voter turnout as encouraging.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes the US dollar and international oil prices weakened as markets reacted to the defeat suffered by president Donald Trump’s party in the US midterm elections. The paper reports Democrats are now in a position to block legislation, launch investigations into the Trump administration, and obstruct his judicial and senior government appointments. According to experts, the risk lies in the uncertainty regarding how Trump might act in the coming months.

# Sowetan:

Leads with: “BRAVO SA, FOR SHOWING UP!” The paper reports by late afternoon, 12-million voters had already cast their ballots—a figure that could surpass the 2021 turnout percentage. According to the IEC, both young and old turned out to vote, with only minor challenges encountered that were successfully addressed.

# And The Citizen:

Writes millions of Gauteng residents headed to the polls, delivering a unanimous message: We are voting for change.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Firstly, reports on yesterday’s voting day in the Western Cape, where residents turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in hot weather conditions. The paper also covers the DA’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille, who is hoping for an outright majority.

Furthermore, the paper writes about the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the USA—an election result that serves as a direct rebuke to president Trump. It is also noted that this shift could potentially have positive implications for South Africa.

Finally, there is an update on Donovan Marx, the farmer from Ventersdorp who was tortured; while he has experienced a setback in his condition, his state remains stable.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald (Gqeberha):

Features several photographs from yesterday’s election on its front page. With polling stations now closed, all eyes are on the results, as the battle for control of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro begins.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness (Pietermaritzburg):

Writes in KwaZulu-Natal, many young voters turned up at polling stations to cast their ballots.

Additionally, it reports a namesake of Chris Pappas in the USA has won a Senate seat in New Hampshire, becoming the first openly gay senator.

And finally, from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports the Uranium Mining Association is demanding full disclosure regarding the Namibian government’s approval and the precautionary measures in place to protect groundwater within the Stampriet Aquifer.

Secondly, the paper writes the Ombud Bill includes comprehensive amendments aimed at improving child protection.