News Bulletin of 1 February 2026, 11am

South Africa’s Project Zoological Open Architecture has won the Startup Innovation Award for the Top AI Sustainability Project at Davos Innovation Week. Held during the World Economic Forum, the initiative collects verified wildlife and ecosystem data and turns it into AI-readable information for better land use and development decisions. Project ZOA was founded in the Garden Route and presented in Davos by founder Douglas Eriksen.By giving AI access to accurate ecological data, the project helps protect sensitive ecosystems and puts South African conservation efforts on the world stage.

Hunger and poverty remain pressing challenges in South Africa, but everyday heroes are making a difference. Last week, Sharon Rambujan, Director of the People of South Africa Foundation, and her partner Naeem served warm, nutritious meals to 200 people across Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Sharon and Naeem understand the heavy burden felt by families who live without the peace of mind of knowing where their next meal will come from.Every weekend, they dedicate their time to cooking and delivering meals, bringing hope and comfort to children, the elderly, and vulnerable communities.

The Angel Paradise Daycare Centre in Kliptown protects young children and prepares them for school through structured early childhood education. After finding children that were left unsupervised and at risk in Eldorado Park, founder Lucrucia Hollander established the centre, which now operates as a registered ECD programme. With support from the IMBE Accelerator Programme, the centre improved classroom safety, financial systems, and learning spaces, including installing a jungle gym.The centre also provides aftercare and supports families who cannot afford fees.