News Bulletin of 12 July 2026, 10am

Young hockey players in Soweto are set to benefit from a generous donation of sports equipment sent from England to a Johannesburg-based charity Play It Forward. More than 18 boxes filled with hockey kits and sports gear were donated from the Sevenoaks Hockey Club in Kent. Despite months of customs delays, they remained determined to get the equipment to South Africa, with the shipment finally arriving last week. Most of the donated gear will be given to the Soweto-based Pandas Hockey Club, which uses sport to develop young players and build leadership skills.

The donation gives young players access to quality sports equipment they may not otherwise have, helping them develop their talent, build confidence and enjoy greater opportunities through sport, while showcasing the power of international generosity and community support.

Wheelchair users can now enjoy easier access to Scottburgh Main Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast thanks to a community fundraising campaign. Adaptive sports advocate Sue Martin raised R60,000 in just six weeks to purchase a specialist all-terrain beach wheelchair. The chair is now available free of charge at Surfers Paradise, giving people living with disabilities the opportunity to experience the beach without the challenge of soft sand.
The initiative is helping make one of the South Coast's popular beaches more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Women's farming groups in The Gambia are expanding their businesses and earning higher incomes through government-supported agricultural programmes.The women are increasing food production while gaining better access to markets, training and modern farming equipment.The initiative is helping strengthen household incomes and improve food security in rural communities.Agriculture Minister, Demba Sabally says the programme is creating more opportunities for women to build sustainable businesses: