Headline 1
University of Pretoria Youth Choir wins gold at Prague festival
Story 1
The University of Pretoria Youth Choir (UPYC) has claimed top honours at the 33rd International Prague Advent and Christmas Choral Festival, held from 4 to 7 December 2025.
The choir won gold in the Mixed Youth Choir category, received a special jury prize for Vocal Culture, and was named Absolute Winner.
Led by conductor Lhente Mari Pitout, the choir also visited the South African Embassy in Berlin during their European tour, showcasing their award-winning performance to embassy staff.
The choir won gold in the Mixed Youth Choir category, received a special jury prize for Vocal Culture, and was named Absolute Winner.
Led by conductor Lhente Mari Pitout, the choir also visited the South African Embassy in Berlin during their European tour, showcasing their award-winning performance to embassy staff.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Santa Shoebox Project Brings Joy to Over 76,500 South African Children
Story 2
The Santa Shoebox Project has transformed the lives of more than 76,500 children this festive season, reaching a total of 1,378,073 vulnerable children over 19 years.
The initiative provides personalised shoeboxes filled with gifts, school supplies, and essentials, sparking joy and fostering a sense of dignity for children in need.
Beyond immediate happiness, the project supports long-term development through pre-schools, teacher training, and reading corners, helping communities thrive.
Organisers aim to reach 80,000 children by 2026, spreading hope and making the festive season brighter for thousands more.
The initiative provides personalised shoeboxes filled with gifts, school supplies, and essentials, sparking joy and fostering a sense of dignity for children in need.
Beyond immediate happiness, the project supports long-term development through pre-schools, teacher training, and reading corners, helping communities thrive.
Organisers aim to reach 80,000 children by 2026, spreading hope and making the festive season brighter for thousands more.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Nnena Kalu Makes History as First Turner Prize Winner with a Learning Disability
Story 3
Scottish artist Nnena Kalu has become the first person with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize. The announcement was made on 9 December 2025 at a ceremony in Bradford.
Judges praised her work as bold and captivating, highlighting swirling drawings and hanging sculptures made from materials such as VHS tape and rope.
Kalu has exhibited internationally, including in Barcelona and Liverpool. Jury chair Alex Farquharson described the win as historic, emphasizing that Kalu was selected on merit.
Supporters say her victory could open doors for other neurodiverse artists and is a landmark moment for inclusivity in contemporary art.
Judges praised her work as bold and captivating, highlighting swirling drawings and hanging sculptures made from materials such as VHS tape and rope.
Kalu has exhibited internationally, including in Barcelona and Liverpool. Jury chair Alex Farquharson described the win as historic, emphasizing that Kalu was selected on merit.
Supporters say her victory could open doors for other neurodiverse artists and is a landmark moment for inclusivity in contemporary art.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:
The Rand is trading at 17.01 to the US Dollar, 22.68 to the British Pound, and 19.83 to the Euro.
Gold is trading at 4,202.84 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 61.94 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 92,596.00.
The Rand is trading at 17.01 to the US Dollar, 22.68 to the British Pound, and 19.83 to the Euro.
Gold is trading at 4,202.84 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 61.94 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 92,596.00.
Split analysis
Local: 75 words (29%), National: 82 words (32%), International: 98 words (38%)