News Bulletin of 12 June 2026, 1pm

Mayibuye woman who has spent the past three years feeding vulnerable residents has received support to continue her community initiative.
Relebohile Evelyn Thapelo prepares warm, nutritious meals for homeless people, unemployed residents and others facing food insecurity. Her efforts received a boost after Halls donated a gas stove and cooking pots to help her serve more people.
Thapelo says her mission is simple: no one should go to bed hungry. What began as a once-a-month initiative has grown into a trusted source of support for many residents, especially during the winter months.

South Africa and Italy have strengthened agricultural and trade relations after final approval of a technical agreement allowing Italian table grapes to enter the South African market.
The agreement is expected to improve trade flows between the two countries and deepen cooperation in the agricultural sector. It also forms part of ongoing efforts to expand international agricultural trade partnerships and strengthen food trade systems.
Senior Economist for Trade Research at the National Agricultural Marketing Council Thabile Nkunjana says the development reflects stronger trade ties, as South Africa exports more than just wine

Two South African scientists have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific academies.
Professor Glenda Gray and Professor Clifford Woolf, both linked to Wits University, are among more than 90 researchers globally recognised in the 2026 intake. The Fellowship is regarded as one of the highest honours in science, with past members including Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein.
Gray is known for her work in HIV prevention and vaccine research, while Woolf is a neuroscientist whose research has advanced the understanding of pain and its treatment.