News Bulletin of 14 October 2026, 1pm

The University of Pretoria raised R170,000 through its 2026 Principal’s Concert to help graduates struggling with historical student debt access their degree certificates.
The concert, presented with Mzansi Ballet on 7 and 8 October at the university’s Hatfield campus, featured The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe, a ballet celebrating South Africa’s heritage.
Proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales will support the university’s Degrees Delivered campaign, which aims to raise R50 million between 2026 and 2028.
The campaign has already raised more than R11 million, helping nearly 200 graduates receive their qualifications.

Fewer than 100 days remain until the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup returns to African soil, with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia preparing to co-host the tournament from 2 October to 21 November 2027.
The competition will feature 14 teams across 12 venues, with matches taking place in eight South African cities, three venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia’s capital, Windhoek.
Under the theme “Three Nations, One Heartbeat”, the tournament will bring international cricket to African fans and showcase the continent to a global audience.
Proteas batter Aiden Markram shared his excitement

Ten Cape Town women have knitted 567 handmade dolls for children through the Act of Kindness, Knit for Kindness initiative, turning their love of knitting into a project that spreads joy and kindness.
The group, made up mostly of women over 70, began meeting in February and started knitting in March. Their dolls will be distributed through 11 beneficiary organisations to bring comfort and happiness to children.
Inspired by the story of Canadian peacekeeper Mark Isfeld, whose mother knitted dolls for him to give to children affected by war, the women plan to continue the project in 2027.