News Bulletin of 11 July 2025, 5pm

Thando Nyoni was working alone at Mkhukhu, a tiny coffee shop, serving customers with calm grace and a warm smile, a habit taught by her mother to always be kind.
One busy afternoon, the owner of Rustic Timba, a popular market in Fourways, noticed Thando’s kindness, composure and how well she managed the hectic café.
Impressed, the owner offered Thando a life-changing opportunity to close her small coffee spot and take over a bigger restaurant space.
Today, Thando runs The Hub coffee shop, thriving with the same care that caught her benefactor’s eye while learning new skills to grow the business even further.
To young people facing uncertainty, she says the real power lies in how you treat others and carry yourself in every situation.

In Dealesville, a small town in the Free State, a simple Nal’ibali poster sparked a dream in Nthabiseng Kgakatsi to work with children and make a difference.
Since 2018, she has become a Story Sparker, bringing books and stories to life in languages that children understand.
Nthabiseng organises reading events, shares books, and encourages her community to get involved in promoting literacy.
Her work is supported by a partnership between Nal’ibali and the Letsatsi Solar Park Trust, helping to grow reading skills and create opportunities in rural areas.

Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Engineering teamed up with the Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa to bridge the gap between higher education and industry.
On 26 June, the Pretoria event brought together leaders, researchers and students to discuss aligning academic research with manufacturing needs and sustainability goals.
Speakers highlighted the role of technologies like 3D printing in transforming South Africa’s manufacturing sector and stressed the importance of early collaboration between universities and industry.
The day ended with a call to remove barriers and build strong partnerships to drive innovation and economic growth.