News Bulletin of 11 October 2026, 8am

Around 30 dedicated volunteers removed an impressive 612kg of rubbish from a 200-metre stretch of the Westdene Spruit near Melville Koppies. The clean-up, held on October 3 with representatives from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, uncovered a shocking mix of discarded clothing, food packaging, polystyrene containers and electronic waste, including television screens and computers. The discovery highlighted the scale of pollution affecting one of Johannesburg’s natural waterways.A section of the stream that has been targeted in five clean-ups this year is looking noticeably better, while school groups are getting involved by testing the water and learning about the importance of protecting the environment.

South African-born judge Navi Pillay has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. This is for her work promoting international law and holding those responsible for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Born in Durban during apartheid, Pillay broke barriers as a lawyer and legal pioneer. Throughout her career, she has championed human rights and worked towards a world where those responsible for serious crimes are held accountable. She becomes the fifth South African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, following Albert Luthuli in 1960, Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 1984, and Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk, who shared the prize in 1993.

Young cricketers are getting seven weeks of competitive action as the Africa Cup Cricket Competition returns on September 13, bringing together players in the under-9, under-11 and under-13 age groups. Organiser Sydwell Ndlovu said the tournament helps youngsters develop their cricketing skills while learning teamwork, discipline and leadership.Ndlovu said players learn teamwork, discipline and leadership, and that they make decisions for themselves when they are on the field.