News Bulletin of 1 February 2026, 7am

Headline 1
Swimming for a Cause
Story 1
Kelsi Naidoo and Callum Marais will take on the Midmar Mile on February 7 with a purpose beyond the finish line, swimming to raise 16 000 rand for the Sandton SPCA.The couple aims to donate R10 for every metre of the 1.6km race, turning their swim into vital support for vulnerable animals. While thousands of swimmers will chase personal goals, Naidoo and Marais say their motivation is rooted in compassion and community.

Story 1 category
Headline 2
Cresta Shopping Centre Gives Back
Story 2
Cresta Shopping Centre has supported the local community by donating stationery, clothing, and school essentials to Windsor Community Support Service. Shoppers contributed items such as school uniforms, shoes, and backpacks, which were handed over to WCSS to help local children prepare for the new school year. The initiative also helps fund WCSS, allowing the organisation to continue paying workers who maintain the streets of Windsor, strengthening the centre’s ongoing commitment to the community.

Story 2 category
Headline 3
Crying Horse’ Becomes Viral Hit
Story 3
A production error has turned a simple stuffed toy into China’s latest viral sensation.
The 4 dollar toy was originally designed as a smiling symbol for the Year of the Horse. However, an upside-down muzzle stitched during manufacturing gave the horse a sad expression, making its nostrils look like falling tears. Images of the mistake spread rapidly online after a customer shared photos. Factory owner Zhang Huoqing said initial sales were about 400 units a day when the toy launched in October last year. Demand surged to tens of thousands daily after it went viral, with wholesale orders coming from as far as South Africa.

Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.13 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 0.00 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 78,945.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Styles Releases New Single, Announces Tour
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Harry Styles has dropped a new single, Aperture, ahead of his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time, Disco, Occasionally due out on March 6.The 31-year-old described the track as the “mission statement” of the album. It arrives ahead of his Together, Together world tour, which begins in May and includes shows in London, New York, Sydney.Speaking to reporters, Styles said it was “hard to tell” if he would still be making music in 20 or 30 years, but added he can’t imagine a life without it.
Split analysis
Local: 144 words (58%), National: 0 words (0%), International: 104 words (42%)