News Bulletin of 12 April 2026, 8am

April is Autism Awareness Month, and the South African Guide Dog Association is highlighting its autism support dog programme.The organisation has trained and placed 49 dogs with children across South Africa to help them manage daily routines and move more safely in public.The dogs assist children by reducing anxiety, improving focus, and supporting independence at home, at school, and in public spaces.To mark the month, it produced a T-shirt featuring 49 paw and handprints created by the children and their dogs, documenting each match.

The Santa Shoebox Project is inviting South African schools and Early Childhood Development centres to apply to receive support in 2026.Applications open on 7-April and close on 23 April, with selection confirmed by mid-June.Selected facilities will receive personalised shoeboxes containing food, clothing, stationery and toys, and may also get refurbished ECD spaces, reading corners, and teacher training.The initiative focuses on vulnerable children in both urban and rural areas, helping them access necessities and support for early education.

Marks Park Valkyries girls rugby division are building a dedicated space for young female players to grow, compete, and thrive in the sport. This comes after frustration over unequal opportunities on the field.What began as frustration over limited opportunities has now grown into a structured training programme, creating a clear pathway for girls to play competitive rugby. Coach and sports director Tyrone Lennox, said the turning point came while helping revive a struggling school rugby programme in 2024. Once players were given the chance to play contact rugby, the results were immediate. Two players earned Lions colours in the same year, one received Grant Khomo colours, and another earned Inter-Provincial Tournament colours