News Bulletin of 11 August 2025, 5pm

The University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Humanities has partnered with Bidvest Bank to support students facing food insecurity, especially those who do not qualify for NSFAS funding.
Bidvest Bank donated essential food supplies to provide immediate relief, sparking a food drive involving staff, students, and external partners.
UJ emphasises that food security is critical to academic success and student wellbeing, not charity.
A dedicated team is developing sustainable food support initiatives and involving students in distribution to maintain dignity and accountability.
The university encourages other stakeholders to join the effort, reinforcing its commitment to social justice and student care.

A field officer with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Programme, Lesego Mthethwa is on the frontline of protecting lions in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Her passion for these majestic animals started at the age of five during family visits to Kruger National Park.
Now 24, Lesego works tirelessly to combat threats like poaching, poisoning and wildlife trafficking.
She monitors lion populations and helps foster peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife.
With a degree in biological sciences and early experience with the Kevin Richardson Foundation, Lesego is turning her lifelong love for lions into vital conservation work.

Pinky Sekai from Ga-Rankuwa in Pretoria, has dedicated nearly a decade to helping vulnerable people in her community.
Her work began in 2016 by providing soup to elderly social grant recipients waiting in long queues at the local Sassa paypoint.
Since then, Sekai has grown the initiative into Northern Hope Gardens, which now supplies fresh produce to more than 50 families and employs local women to maintain the garden.
She also manages healthcare support, delivering chronic medication to around 130 patients at their homes each month.
Sekai regularly visits schools to distribute sanitary products and toiletries, supporting both girls and boys.
Her commitment is driven by a simple message: anyone can make a difference without waiting for the perfect moment.