Major news items in leading S. African media outlets

The following are highlights of South African major media outlets on Tuesday:

-- South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's complaint of police "harassment" signaled that a deepening battle over the independence of the Treasury is overshadowing his message of policy stability to investors.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, wants Gordhan to respond to questions about a unit in the tax agency that investigated political leaders and taxpayers, Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi said by phone. (Mail & Guardian).

-- South Africa had three months in which to convince ratings agencies and investors of its fiscal stability; that concrete steps will be taken to deal with problems in state-owned companies; and to boost economic growth to rebuild confidence among investors, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Monday.

He reiterated the concerns raised after meeting more than 250 investors - with about 600 billion rands in exposure to SA equities and bonds - during road shows in London, Boston and New York. (Business Day).

-- Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said if there was ever a point in time that South Africans needed to be positive about the country in order to encourage foreign investment, it was now.

Gordhan reacts during a media briefing in Sandton. Gordhan said he had constructive discussions with ratings agencies on a roadshow in London and the U.S. last week as Pretoria tries to fend off downgrades amid weak economic growth. (Pretoria News) Endit