Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 17 September 2025:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports the government has failed to fulfill a promise made by president Cyril Ramaphosa six years ago to ensure that every learner will have access to a digital platform by 2025. Ramaphosa made the promise in 2019, but due to a lack of high-speed internet connections and a shortage of funds, it has not materialised.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports child pornography accused, Tiona Megan Moodley, wants to approach the High Court for bail. She appears with Darren Wilken in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.

Secondly, readers can visit the website to see what the ten finalists for this year’s Miss SA competition look like. The pageant will take place in Pretoria on October 25.

And finally, it is reported the American prosecutors in the case against the murderer of activist Charlie Kirk, will seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Has the headline: “CYRIL SELLS THE ANC TO THE DA”. There are rumours that the president is sacrificing his own party in favour of the government of national unity.

And secondly, the paper reports what was supposed to be a turning point for Ramaphosa’s image has become a failure. The national dialogue he launched earlier this year has lost momentum, raising serious questions about its future and purpose.

# Sowetan:

Leads with: “MOMENT OF TRUTH”. The newspaper reports today is the first day of the Madlanga Commission, with lieutenant general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the first witness.

# And The Citizen:

Writes the father of the murdered Leigh Matthews, Rob, will do everything in his power to prevent her murderer, Donovan Moodley, from being released on parole after 20 years.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Reports Ramaphosa is in big trouble in the ANC for his statement about the DA’s service delivery being better than the ANC’s. There are members of the ANC who believe he should not have made the statement in public, because it puts votes on a platter for the opposition.

And secondly, the paper writes according to an international report on maternity benefits, South Africa is at the bottom of the list in terms of benefits. We offer the worst remuneration and the least leave, along with a country like the USA.

EASTERN CAPE:

# Daily Despatch in East London:

Reports the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality in Mthatha says it will take strict action against electricity theft.

And writes municipal workers in Buffalo City may go on strike and this will lead to a disruption in service delivery.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes the National Taxi Board, SANTACO has joined the discussion on safe school transport in KwaZulu-Natal. This follows a taxi accident in which three learners died.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports the maintenance allowance of 350-rand per month has not increased in more than two decades and this means, according to experts, that vulnerable children are not high on the policy agenda.

Then the paper writes Namibia is hosting a conference on cancer genomics that could change practical solutions for the care of local cancer sufferers and also those in Africa.

And finally, it is reported the father who allegedly strangled his son and daughter has appeared in court.