Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 05 January 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports president Donald Trump wants to use intimidation to bring Venezuelan leaders into line. The paper writes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has provided little clarity about America’s plans for Venezuela. It is mainly focused on the country’s oil resources and the leadership.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Firstly, reports about an attack on the Hayes family of Klerksdorp minutes before New Year’s on December 31. At least two robbers attacked the family, and Donovan Hayes was shot twice. He is in critical condition in the hospital after his kidney was removed.

Then the website writes that the Department of Basic Education has rejected the FF Plus position that the integrity of the matriculation examination is under suspicion after question papers were leaked.

And finally, there is news about the thousands of holidaymakers and other travellers who are causing extremely crowded conditions at toll gates and border posts.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Firstly, writes why South Africa should be concerned about the US’s actions in Venezuela and the arrest of president Nicolás Maduro.

And secondly, it is reported that all South Africans in Venezuela are safe.

# Sowetan:

Will again start publishing on the 7th of January.

# And The Citizen:

Writes after Trump’s actions in Venezuela, the question on the lips of world leaders is: was it just about oil or who is next in Trump’s sights?

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Reports the chances are very slim that America will invade South Africa since the country does not have strategic minerals like Venezuela. According to experts, the US can take other steps, such as imposing sanctions against individuals.

And secondly, the paper also reports on the integrity of the matriculation examination.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports that two people were allegedly bitten in Plettenberg Bay by a seal with rabies.

And secondly, the paper writes about an alleged racist incident at a local ski boat club.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Reports the search for at least 12 swimmers who disappeared from various beaches on the KwaZulu-Natal coast continues. Three went missing on Christmas Day and nine on New Year’s Day.

And secondly, it is reported parents are struggling to pay the increased school fees for the new year.

And finally, from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports the Namibian Department of International Relations says it was shocked to learn of the arrest of the president of Venezuela and his wife. The department says Venezuela’s sovereignty must be protected.

And secondly, the paper writes about the murder of the assistant chief of the Likokola settlement in the Onayena district of Oshikoto, Sam Pendapala Nepando.