News Bulletin of 11 July 2025, 6pm

The University of Pretoria recently welcomed Ambassador-at-Large Delphine O for a guest lecture on Feminist Foreign Policy and its role in advancing women’s rights worldwide.
Ambassador Delphine O explained how this approach integrates gender perspectives into all foreign policy decisions, from security to trade and climate diplomacy.
She spoke about pressing challenges women face today, including violence both offline and online, and explained how new technologies are being used worldwide to offer support, such as chatbots that communicate in multiple languages.
The ambassador also called for protecting gender equality language in international agreements and boosting support for grassroots feminist organisations.
Her visit reinforced the university’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive global dialogue.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has launched the One Million Trees campaign at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens under the banner “My tree, my oxygen, plant yours today.”
The campaign encourages all South Africans to plant trees to help preserve biodiversity and combat climate change.
Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts said everyone has a responsibility to plant trees, which provide oxygen and help protect communities from climate disasters like fires, floods and droughts.
As part of the National Greening Programme, the country plans to plant one million trees on Heritage Day, 24 September, continuing efforts begun at events like the African Forum on Urban Forestry and International Day of Forests.

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.