News Bulletin of 1 October 2025, 6am

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has urged for increased youth participation in parliaments and global decision-making platforms, citing the need for more inclusive and representative leadership.
According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, only 2.8-percent of the world’s parliamentarians are under the age of 30, and 73-percent of Upper Houses have no members under the age of 30.
Addressing the P20 Young Parliamentarians Forum, Didiza emphasised that young people remain a vital force for shaping inclusive, sustainable and peaceful societies:
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A group of young South Africans has arrived in China to begin their studies through a fully funded scholarship programme led by Inseta and LGSETA, in partnership with the Chinese Culture International Education Exchange.
The programme, aims to empower 500-young South Africans with globally relevant qualifications in critical fields such as engineering, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce.
The students, selected from all nine provinces, were given a send-off at Inseta's head office in Illovo, before departing for China earlier last month.
Inseta CEO Gugu Mkhize has praised the students and the collaborative effort, saying the programme gives young matriculants a chance to pursue their dreams.

Uber South Africa has launched Women Drivers, allowing female riders to choose female drivers.
This initiative responds to the growing demand for safer and more inclusive mobility options.
The service, informed by global insights and local testing, creates new earning opportunities for female drivers.
Uber Sub-Saharan Africa general manager, Deepesh Thomas, says the initiative is integrated with Uber’s safety features and boosts confidence, control, and inclusivity for women.