News Bulletin of 1 May 2026, 7am

Sandton Fun Factory has earned international recognition for its early childhood financial literacy programme. The programme highlights its role in shaping financial education from a young age.The initiative focuses on financial inclusion and supports teachers in early childhood development centres to build foundational money skills among children. Aimed at learners aged three to six, the programme introduces key concepts such as earning, saving, budgeting, donating and banking. The programme recently received the Excellence in Financial Literacy Education Award from the Institute for Financial Literacy in the United States.

Creativity took centre stage at Hillcrest Primary School in Kwazulu Natal when two teachers transformed a simple classroom activity into a fashion challenge. Mrs Byram and Mrs Storm joined learners from the school’s LEAP class in designing outfits made entirely from Checkers Sixty60 bags. Rather than supervising from the sidelines, the teachers jumped in, cutting and styling alongside their pupils. With just 60 minutes on the clock, the pair produced a striking outfit using Checkers bags and packaging. The moment was taken a step further when the school placed a Checkers delivery, and one of the teachers collected it wearing the bold design, surprising and delighting the driver.

A Western Cape anaesthetist has achieved an extraordinary feat by completing the Marathon des Sables, one of the world’s toughest endurance races. Gwen Hobson, a George-based doctor and mother of two, returned home after finishing the 2026 edition of the race, which spans around 250km to 270km over six days in the Sahara Desert.
In her first attempt, Hobson emerged as the first South African woman to complete this year’s event. She finished 47th in the women’s category, placed fifth in her age group, and was the only participant representing George.