Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 02 March 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Is the first of many newspapers to report on the Iran war. The paper writes president Donald Trump says he is willing to hold talks with Iran’s new leadership. The country is currently ruled by a council until the supreme leader’s successor is appointed.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports several South Africans in Arab countries fled to bomb shelters this past weekend to avoid Iranian retaliation attacks. They say that although it was frightening, no one in Dubai’s lives were in danger.

Secondly, the paper writes about the suicide in a Cape Town hotel of 61-year-old pianist, dancer and TV star Ian von Memerty.

And finally, it is reported that one person has died and five more are missing after a tugboat sank near Mossel Bay over the weekend.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes recent speculation about billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s possible candidacy for ANC presidency has increased after the launch of a campaign website. Despite his previous denials of any political ambitions, the website pm27.org.za has raised questions again.

And secondly, a mother is reportedly suing Lehurutshe Hospital in the North West for 500-thousand-rand after they mistakenly buried the wrong baby during the Covid-19 pandemic.

# And Sowetan:

Reports that there are about 100 prisoners who have escaped from police cells and cannot be traced. The main reasons for the escapes are poor infrastructure and corrupt police officers. There are currently about 220 officers under investigation after allegedly assisting in the escapes.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Also reports about the Iran war. The paper writes that president Trump has told Iran that the attacks will continue until peace is restored in Iran.

And secondly, the paper writes about the Rovos Rail accident in Namibia where two people died. None of the passengers was injured, and they are being flown back to South Africa. The accident occurred at Naute just outside Keetmanshoop.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Babalwa Lobishe has hit back at criticism over the lease of a 25-million-rand transformer to Coega Steels without council approval.

And secondly, the paper writes conservation activists want to hold talks with Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane. This follows his appeal to them not to stand in the way of development.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes people are upset about the salary increases granted to the government.

And reports on a black day for the Proteas women.

And finally from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports role players in the private sector say civil servants deserve a health system that works and not the “Psemas gamble” according to which civil servants may only use state hospitals.

And secondly, the paper also writes about the Rovos Rail accident, and there is news from Namibians living and working in the Middle East about how they experienced the conflict firsthand.