News Bulletin of 15 August 2026, 10am

Two South African innovators shortlisted for prestigious Africa Prize
Two South African innovators have been shortlisted for the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Chemical engineer Professor Dyllon Randall has been recognised for developing a urine-to-fertiliser recovery system, while biomedical researcher Sincengile Ntshingila has created a virtual tissue culture training platform.

The finalists will compete for a top prize of more than one million rand in Johannesburg in October, while receiving mentorship and business training to help commercialise their innovations.
South Africa
Sikhulile Nkosi to represent the country at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden
The Department of Water and Sanitation is calling for public support for 17-year-old Sikhulile Nkosi, who will be representing the country at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden later this month.
The Grade 11 learner from Sitintile Secondary School in Mbombela won the South African Youth Water Prize, for developing an innovative coating, designed to reduce microplastic and chemical contamination in drinking water.

The department's spokesperson Wisane Mavasa says public voting for the People’s Choice Award closes on the 15th of August.
South Africa
New ETA system to streamline travel to South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the newly launched Electronic Travel Authorisation will help alleviate the country’s unemployment crisis.
The presisent launched the ETA system at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, on Wednesday.

The ETA replaces the slow, paper-based visa processing system with a fully digital one that uses biometrics and facial recognition.

Ramaphosa says the system is set to make it easy for investors to come into the country and for travellers to visit South Africa.
South Africa
Financial Indicators
Amber-Rose Berry takes on English Channel challenge
18-year-old South African swimmer Amber-Rose Berry is preparing to take on one of the world's toughest open-water challenges later this month.
The endurance swimmer will attempt to swim from Dover in England to the French coast, with hopes of becoming the youngest South African woman to successfully cross the English Channel.

The initiative is in aid of the Ukukhula Institute, which provides bursaries and scholarships for student athletes from high schools in the Eastern Cape to attend Rhodes University and the Institution's sports academy.
The teen's attempt is scheduled to take place between the 21st and the 27th of August.
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