News Bulletin of 1 February 2026, 9am

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary in the Western Cape has been saved due to the kindness of donors. Three private investors, together with funding from founder Jonno Sherwin, have stepped in to save the Sanctuary, securing a new 520-hectare farm near De Rust and ensuring a permanent home for more than 400 rescued animals. The sanctuary, one of the largest ehquine rescue centres in Africa, had faced possible closure after being evicted from its previous property, placing hundreds of animals at risk. The newly purchased farm, De Hoop, marks the first time in over a decade that the sanctuary has owned its land, providing long-term stability.The rescue centre cares for donkeys, horses and other animals that are often neglected or overworked, and continues to rehabilitate and rehome animals where possible.

The City of Johannesburg has launched a high-impact service delivery programme in the Randburg CBD. This is to curb illegal activity, improve cleanliness, and strengthen law enforcement. Regional director Sello Jonathan Lemao said the programme brings together multiple departments to fast-track service delivery in a focused area. Randburg CBD has been identified as a priority due to its high economic activity, with taxi ranks, municipal facilities, clinics, libraries, and shopping centres drawing large daily crowds.

The Mall of the South launched its second annual initiative, a sculpture competition celebrating local creativity while promoting environmental awareness. 10 eco-inspired sculptures by local artists were exhibited in the main court, demonstrating how waste materials can be transformed into meaningful art. The initiative reflects the mall’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and provides artists with a platform to reach a wider audience. Shoppers were invited to support the artists by visiting the exhibition and voting for their favourite sculpture via QR. The winners received a grand prize of R20 000 each, and the winning pieces are now permanently featured at Mall of the South’s Entrance 5.
(This story celebrates local talent and inspires the public to reuse waste creatively).