News Bulletin of 13 June 2025, 4pm

There was a buzz of pride and possibility at Bolt’s accelerator pitch event at Garden venue hotel last week .
Ten drivers and couriers won funding to help turn their business ideas into reality.
The programme, a partnership with business academy Pranary, attracted nearly 600 applicants across South Africa.
After training in business basics, 20 finalists pitched their ideas, with 10 winning over R40 000 each in seed funding.
Innovative ideas like Kamogelo Modise’s eco-friendly bicycle delivery service and Shannon Adams’ tourism app stood out.
The Gauteng Department of Economic Development praised the programme for boosting township economies and job creation.

Billy Claasen, a farmworker’s son from Piketberg, has turned his tough childhood into a powerful mission to serve vulnerable communities in the Western Cape.
He runs the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, assisting victims of gender-based violence, illegal evictions, and missing children — often using his own resources or community support.
Claasen is a familiar face in courtrooms and crisis scenes, offering dignity and justice to those often overlooked.
His journey from barefoot schoolboy to respected activist proves that compassion, not comfort, builds true leadership.

Indoor Padel Revolution, a popular spot for padel players, has launched Pawdel, a community project that helps shelter animals.
In just six weeks, they have donated 600 padel balls to Randburg SPCA to provide comfort and play for shelter dogs.
The initiative, led by IPR manager Josephine Baxter, encourages players to donate old but usable balls.
Some balls are also used in outreach programmes to assist communities with stray animal issues.
A portion of the donated balls will be sold at the SPCA, with all profits going towards animal food and supplies.
IPR plans to expand the programme to other shelters soon.