Headline 1
University of Pretoria rises in global rankings
Story 1
The University of Pretoria (UP) has climbed in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, moving from the 601–800 band to the 501–600 band globally.
Nationally, UP is now fifth, one place higher than last year, and one of three South African universities to improve their international ranking.
The university excelled in teaching and research reputation, securing third place nationally in both categories, and achieved its highest-ever score for citation impact, reflecting the global reach of its research.
UP also made progress in international collaboration, research quality, and student and staff diversity.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Petersen said the ranking demonstrates UP’s commitment to world-class teaching, innovative research, and global engagement, strengthening its role as a leading African university.
Nationally, UP is now fifth, one place higher than last year, and one of three South African universities to improve their international ranking.
The university excelled in teaching and research reputation, securing third place nationally in both categories, and achieved its highest-ever score for citation impact, reflecting the global reach of its research.
UP also made progress in international collaboration, research quality, and student and staff diversity.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Petersen said the ranking demonstrates UP’s commitment to world-class teaching, innovative research, and global engagement, strengthening its role as a leading African university.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Voices of Her empowers young women in music
Story 2
The Betway Cares Foundation has launched Voices of Her, a national mentorship programme to support young female artists across South Africa.
The 12-week initiative will identify and mentor women aged 20 to 35 from disadvantaged communities, giving them skills to build sustainable music careers.
Training will cover vocal technique, songwriting, personal branding, and financial literacy. Mentorship will be led by award-winning artists Bucie Nqwiliso and Nomfundo Xaluva through online and in-person sessions.
Each finalist will receive a laptop and data contract to support participation. Entries close on 24 October, with the top 12 finalists to be announced soon after.
The 12-week initiative will identify and mentor women aged 20 to 35 from disadvantaged communities, giving them skills to build sustainable music careers.
Training will cover vocal technique, songwriting, personal branding, and financial literacy. Mentorship will be led by award-winning artists Bucie Nqwiliso and Nomfundo Xaluva through online and in-person sessions.
Each finalist will receive a laptop and data contract to support participation. Entries close on 24 October, with the top 12 finalists to be announced soon after.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Lake of Stars Festival 2025 promises a vibrant cultural celebration
Story 3
The Lake of Stars Festival in Malawi is set to return from 17 to 19 October at Fish Eagle Bay Lodge in Nkhotakota, featuring over 120 acts from around the world.
About 80% of performers are Malawian, highlighting local talent alongside international artists such as US sustainability musician AY Young and South African DJ Lady Amar. The three-day festival, themed Empower.
Connect. Enrich. Celebrate, will include live performances, community events, and cultural activities.
Organisers say the event strengthens Malawi’s creative networks while transforming Nkhotakota into a cultural and tourism hub.
Pre-festival events and partnerships with regional and international collaborators promise an inclusive and enriching experience.
About 80% of performers are Malawian, highlighting local talent alongside international artists such as US sustainability musician AY Young and South African DJ Lady Amar. The three-day festival, themed Empower.
Connect. Enrich. Celebrate, will include live performances, community events, and cultural activities.
Organisers say the event strengthens Malawi’s creative networks while transforming Nkhotakota into a cultural and tourism hub.
Pre-festival events and partnerships with regional and international collaborators promise an inclusive and enriching experience.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:
The Rand is trading at 17.47 to the US Dollar, 23.18 to the British Pound, and 20.19 to the Euro.
Gold is trading at 4,127.93 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 63.32 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 111,131.00.
The Rand is trading at 17.47 to the US Dollar, 23.18 to the British Pound, and 20.19 to the Euro.
Gold is trading at 4,127.93 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 63.32 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 111,131.00.
Split analysis
Local: 117 words (37%), National: 0 words (0%), International: 197 words (63%)