News Bulletin of 14 December 2025, 12pm

Visitors to Time Square at Menlyn Main in Pretoria East can enjoy the annual Christmas lights, switched on Friday, and step into a festive wonderland. Guests can stroll through the illuminated garden and snap photos at specially designed holiday spots. This year’s lights were unveiled by Miss South Africa first princess Luyanda Zuma and Time Square food and beverages manager Preshan Pillay. Pretoria’s Time Square will also celebrate New Year’s Eve with more than a dozen of South Africa’s top artists performing in classic Boney M style.

After fires, disturbances, and environmental damage, Northcliff Eco Park has taken a bold step to boost protection with the installation of four AI-powered security cameras through its Beagle Watch initiative. Head of the park’s Conservation and Preservation Initiative, Monica Cserei–Wiese, said the project was designed to monitor visitor movement, protect wildlife, and enhance overall safety. While initially focused on safeguarding flora, fauna, and controlled access, Beagle Watch quickly expanded to address wider security challenges affecting both the park and surrounding community.In a report compiled by Wiese, she noted unacceptable levels of littering, including glass bottles, plastic, wire fencing, and dog faeces, which pose risks to both the ecosystem and human health.

Kruger National Park has upgraded several visitor facilities ahead of the festive season. Workers have renovated about 40% of Skukuza’s rondavels and added new attractions, including the Train on the Bridge. The R700-million project, funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, uses locally sourced furniture and materials.The revamp was done to boost visitor capacity and support surrounding communities.