News Bulletin of 11 August 2025, 3pm

Four schools in Atteridgeville outside Pretoria have received modern science laboratories to strengthen STEM education.
The facilities at Bokgoni Technical Secondary, Hofmeyr High, Edward Phatudi Comprehensive and Seaparankwe Primary were unveiled by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
The project is a partnership between government and private companies including the SA Nuclear Energy Corporation, Huawei, and Avon and Dedisa.
The upgraded labs aim to inspire learners to explore careers in science, engineering and technology while improving hands-on learning from primary school level.
The initiative forms part of Mandela Month activities and may be expanded to other provinces in future.

In Gqeberha’s New Brighton township, community mentor Mike Pantsi is using chess to empower young people with intellectual disabilities.
Through a partnership with Indlela Mental Health, Pantsi runs weekly chess lessons as part of the organisation’s youth skills programme. The initiative builds confidence, focus and strategic thinking while promoting social cohesion and inclusivity.
Learners say the game has taught them valuable life lessons, from protecting women to making thoughtful and deliberate moves in life.
Pantsi believes that with the right guidance every child can overcome challenges and succeed, proving that on and off the chessboard the right moves can change everything.

Three lifeguards in Pataskala, Ohio, USA, have been hailed as heroes after saving a woman and her young son from the surging Licking River.
Eighteen-year-old Kaden Ross sprinted 150 yards from a nearby pool to reach the drowning woman, pulling her to safety before learning her 7-year-old son was still underwater.
With help from another bystander, the boy was rescued unconscious, and Kaden used his training to revive him with rescue breaths and CPR.
Both victims are expected to make a full recovery thanks to the lifeguards’ swift and fearless response.