News Bulletin of 15 August 2025, 6pm

Headline 1
UJ Student Launches Platform to Help First-Time Drivers Pass Learner’s Test
Story 1
University of Johannesburg student David Mtsweni has created Simplify Drive, a web platform that helps first-time drivers pass their learner’s test with practice questions, videos, and progress tracking.
Mtsweni recently hosted 100 UJ volunteers, teaching them road signs, markings, and test strategies while giving them free access to the platform.
Students praised it for being easy to use and for recorded sessions that let them catch up anytime.
Motivated by South Africa’s high road fatality rates, Mtsweni says Simplify Drive aims to make driving safer and more accessible for everyone.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Women pilots boost conservation in North Luangwa National Park
Story 2
Two managers at North Luangwa Conservation Project in Zambia will now patrol the park from the air. Marileen, Rhino Project Manager, and Clemmie, Cheetah Project Manager, recently earned their private pilot licences.

The move allows the team to monitor black rhinos and other wildlife across the park’s vast terrain more efficiently, detect illegal activity faster, and guide ground teams for quicker responses.

The initiative strengthens protection for endangered species while marking a milestone for women in conservation aviation.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Focalistic to Headline ACCES 2025 in Tshwane
Story 3
South African amapiano sensation Focalistic will headline the 2025 Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases in Tshwane from 30 October to 1 November.
The award-winning artist will deliver a headline performance and share his journey from Pretoria to international stages in a keynote fireside chat.
The event will unite artists and industry leaders from more than 45 countries for networking, collaboration and showcasing African talent.
This marks the first time the influential music trade event will be hosted in the City of Tshwane.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 17.58 to the US Dollar, 23.84 to the British Pound, and 20.58 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 3,342.4 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 66.84 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 117,209.00.
Split analysis
Local: 173 words (69%), National: 0 words (0%), International: 79 words (31%)