News Bulletin of 14 August 2026, 2pm

Smart Licensing Centres Extend Hours for Motorists
Motorists using Gauteng’s Smart Licensing Centres will have more time to get their licensing matters sorted, with the centres operating from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport says the centres are located at shopping malls and transport hubs, making it easier for motorists to access services such as driving licence renewals, learner’s licences and vehicle registration.
The department says the extended hours are aimed at making services more convenient and reducing long queues.
Sandton and Gauteng
Young Scientists Take on Real World Challenges
Thousands of young scientists from across South Africa are putting their ideas to the test as the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists regional fairs get underway.
The programme runs from 25 July to 21 August, with projects focused on solving real world challenges being judged by experts.
At the fair in the Western Cape, young girls are also showcasing their scientific talent and innovation for a chance to progress to the Eskom Expo International Science Fair.*
South Africa
Mofolo Park Gets Fresh Start Through Community Clean Up
Soweto’s historic Mofolo Park is getting a new lease on life, following a community clean up organised by Soweto Tourism and local partners.
The initiative is the first step in a broader plan to restore and revitalise the park and its famous Dome, which has hosted performances, cultural events and community celebrations over the years.
Further improvements are now being explored, with businesses, creatives and community organisations encouraged to get involved and help restore the space for future generations.
Sandton and Gauteng
Financial Indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.17 to the US Dollar,21.85 to the British Pound, and 18.68 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,348.06 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 87.07 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 62,849.00.
Brazil Cuts Amazon Deforestation to 13 Year Low
Brazil has recorded its lowest level of Amazon deforestation alerts in 13 years, following a major drop in forest loss.
Satellite data shows that alerts covered just under 2,900 square kilometres in the year to 31 July, down by more than a third compared with the previous 12 months.
The decline follows stronger action against illegal clearing, mining and logging, as Brazil works towards its goal of ending deforestation by 2030.
If the final annual figures show a similar trend, it could be the lowest rate of Amazon deforestation since monitoring began in 1988.
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