Morning Newspaper Report

The headlines of the leading newspapers on 18 March 2026:

NATIONAL:

# Business Day:

Reports Mr Price has defended its R9.6-billion-deal to buy the German NKD clothing group, saying it offers broad European exposure. The group has about two-thousand stores across Europe and Eastern Europe.

# And the Netwerk24 website:

Reports the National Prosecuting Authority has denied that the lawyers of former minister Zizi Kodwa and businessman Jehan MacKay were not informed that the NPA would re-prosecute the corruption charges against them.

Then the website writes two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a pregnant Shahieda Nathan in 2020. The men entered her home and shot her at random.

And finally, it is reported that president Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO countries that refuse to act to open the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers.

GAUTENG:

# The Star:

Writes the water tanker debacle in Tshwane has now degenerated into a political war.

And reports there are concerns about learners sniffing fire extinguishers, as it is alleged to have an intoxicating effect.

# Sowetan:

Reports the police deserted the satellite station in Boikhutso, Lichtenburg, leaving it abandoned, and it has since been looted. The community must now combat crime, and the police station is a drug den.

# And The Citizen:

Writes according to a new report that has been released, the battle for Johannesburg is between the DA and ActionSA. The ANC’s poor governance and service delivery means they are not a factor in the city.

WESTERN CAPE:

# Die Burger:

Reports Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi says national health insurance has not been suspended. He says the government is just waiting for the Constitutional Court to rule on public participation issues before promulgating further sections of the law.

And secondly, there is news about a Toyota Hilux that will retire with its owner after 46 years of service.

EASTERN CAPE:

# The Herald in Gqeberha:

Reports experts believe it is not just a drought in Nelson Mandela Bay, but a water management crisis.

And secondly, the paper writes councillors are investigating the rising costs of maintaining the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

KWAZULU-NATAL:

# The Witness in Pietermaritzburg:

Writes a Northdale teacher was attacked and strangled by a learner on the school grounds.

And secondly, the paper has an exclusive interview with Princess Charlene of Monaco.

And finally, from NAMIBIA:

# Republikein in Windhoek:

Reports a proposed in situ leaching project by Russia to start in Omaheke in 2029 is expected to create 600 jobs and generate annual trade of 500-million-rand.

And secondly, the paper writes Puma Energy Namibia claims that it was illegally removed from two national airports earlier this month and is losing about 150-thousand-rand per day.