News Bulletin of 14 November 2026, 1pm

A group of Grade 5 and 6 learners from the Bryanston Parallel Medium School have developed an educational website to help residents in Johannesburg to identify and manage invasive plant species.
The project forms part of this year's FIRST LEGO League competition, which challenges young people to use creativity, technology and problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges.

The learners identified six invasive plant species that are commonly found in the Johannesburg area, which can threaten local green spaces and indigenous vegetation.

With guidance from experts, the learners researched how homeowners can recognise these plants and replace them with suitable indigenous alternatives.
The website is designed to make this information accessible to residents, while encouraging greater awareness of the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

Ninety-two older persons from the Western Cape represented the province at the National Active Ageing Programme, affectionately known as the Golden Games, in Bloemfontein last month.
The event brought together senior citizens from across the country for a range of sporting activities aimed at promoting physical health, mental well-being and social inclusion.

The Western Cape's MEC for Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, says initiatives such as the Golden Games are important in encouraging active ageing and creating opportunities for older persons to remain healthy, independent and socially connected.

Learners at Assumption Convent School in Johannesburg and the wider school community have come together to create and pack 151 Santa Shoeboxes for children in need.

Each personalised shoebox is prepared for a child that is selected from the organisation’s beneficiary list and contains eight essential and special items including toiletries, new clothing, school stationery, a toy and sweet treats.

Volunteers at 70 designated drop-off points across South Africa will receive, inspect and sort the boxes over the coming weeks, before they are delivered to beneficiary schools and care facilities.
The initiative forms part of the Santa Shoebox Project, which has now reached 95 percent of its national pledge target this week.