News Bulletin of 10 February 2026, 1pm

Headline 1
South African Students Train in Soft Robotics
Story 1
Engineering students at Wits University and the University of Johannesburg recently took part in a Soft Robotics course, learning how to design and build robots using flexible materials.
The course included hands-on projects, such as creating biomedical devices, assembling circuits, and using 3D printers to make working robot parts. Students worked in teams and presented their prototypes at the end of the course.
The programme, supported by Wits’ Perinatal HIV Research Unit and AMOLF, is a pilot project to build skills and grow soft robotics in South Africa.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Partnerships in Focus at Africa Mining Indaba
Story 2
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has urged African countries to work together on critical minerals, warning that a go-it-alone approach could weaken the continent’s gains.
He was speaking at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, where governments, investors and mining leaders are meeting to strengthen cooperation across the sector.
The four-day conference runs from the 8th to the 12th of February.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema says mining must be built on unity and partnerships that benefit both investors and local communities.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Taariq Stokes Completes Midmar Mile In Tribute To Late Aunt
Story 3
Durban athlete Taariq Stokes has completed his second Midmar Mile open water swim, finishing the 1.9-kilometre course in 49 minutes.
Stokes undertook the swim as a personal tribute to his late aunt, Carmen Crawage, who passed away the day before the race. Despite not having a formal swimming background, he trained intensively and overcame challenging conditions to reach the finish line.
Beyond swimming, Stokes is known for his community work, including championing men’s mental health and launching a children’s wellness programme in Wentworth.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 15.89 to the US Dollar, 21.75 to the British Pound, and 18.96 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,045.94 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 69.04 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 69,151.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Springbok Sevens Win Perth Title With 21–19 Victory Over Fiji
Teaser / Tailpiece story

South Africa’s Blitzboks have defeated Fiji 21–19 in the Perth Sevens final, securing their seventh title at the tournament.
The win marks only South Africa’s second victory over Fiji in this season’s HSBC World Sevens campaign, after a previous extra-time win at home in Cape Town. South Africa had earlier lost to Fiji in the pool stages.
Ryan Oosthuizen scored two tries, while teammates Sebastian Jobb, Dawid Brits, and Ricardo Duartee contributed key plays to maintain South Africa’s lead and strong defence.
The victory moves South Africa up the standings and strengthens their position in the World Sevens Series.
Split analysis
Local: 88 words (34%), National: 171 words (66%), International: 0 words (0%)