News Bulletin of 1 August 2025, 4pm

The Gauteng education department has successfully cleared 99.95% of a R426 million municipal debt owed by public schools.
Only a small balance remains and is expected to be fully paid by mid-August.
The department continues to manage the finances of 40 schools without full financial autonomy, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services like water and electricity.
To tackle overcrowding across Gauteng, a R2.8 billion investment is planned for the 2025/26 financial year to support the construction of new schools, upgrades to existing facilities, and the addition of mobile classrooms.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane has called on parents, school governing bodies, and communities to work closely with the department to improve learning environments across Gauteng.

The YouMatterWalk brings communities together to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Founded by three women, Christia, Ilse and Carla, who turned personal loss into a mission, the event reminds everyone they do not have to face life’s struggles alone.
The fourth annual walk takes place on 13 September 2025 in Olifantsfontein with options to walk 2.5, 5 or 10 kilometres.
Support organisations like Lifeline and SADAG will provide resources and trained counsellors will be present to offer help.
The walk aims to create open conversations, crush stigma and save lives by offering hope and connection.

After 15 years of silence, the iconic Cape Town City Hall clock is chiming through the CBD once more.
Originally installed in 1905, the clock was restored by horologist Rudi Conradi and his team from Clock Affairs in Brackenfell.
The intricate six-month restoration involved dismantling the entire mechanism, refurbishing worn parts, and restoring both the bell-strike and chime functions.
City project manager Marius Schoeman oversaw the process, ensuring the clock now runs smoothly and is manually wound several times a week.
The return of its familiar Westminster chimes has been welcomed as a proud moment for the Mother City, reconnecting residents with a piece of their shared heritage.