News Bulletin of 1 March 2026, 11am

The Gauteng provincial government has announced it will resume plans to expand the Gautrain rapid rail network, extending services to Soweto, Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, Fourways and parts of the West Rand.Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the project will eventually reach Sedibeng in the Vaal, growing the current 80-kilometre system by up to 300 kilometres. The expansion aims to connect underserved communities to major economic hubs, improve mobility and promote sustainable development across the province.

Futura Special School in Ridgeway will hold its third annual Autism Awareness big walk and fun day on 18 April, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event, starting at 20 Leipoldt Street, will feature a 3-kilometre walk, children’s games, and food stalls, all aimed at raising funds for the school’s programmes. It is designed to bring the community together, highlight the challenges faced by children with autism, and promote understanding and inclusion.

The Uitenhage SPCA has received an extraordinary 500,000 rand donation. This comes from an anonymous benefactor, boosting its campaign for a new permanent home. The generous gift has inspired the community, with students, businesses, and individuals rallying through fundraisers, raffles, and events to support the animals and secure a safe, permanent space for the organisation. The SPCA has been navigating an incredibly difficult season. Ordered to vacate the premises it has called home for more than 50 years, the team has been working tirelessly to raise the funds needed to buy a new property.