News Bulletin of 15 December 2025, 3pm

Over 280 parents and children took part in Soweto’s first Bond Through Play Community Soccer Tournament on 6 December 2025. Organised by Sesame Workshop South Africa, the event celebrated the organisation’s 25th anniversary and brought families from Soweto, Alexandra, and Ennerdale together for a day of football, games, and family bonding.
The initiative focused on father-child engagement and creating safe, inclusive spaces for families. Activities included friendly football matches, arts and crafts, games, and a special appearance by Takalani Sesame’s Elmo.
Organisers say the success of the tournament highlights the power of community partnerships and plan to expand Bond Through Play to more communities across South Africa in 2026.

Tshililo Mafuka from Musina, Limpopo, has been named Tiger Brands’ first Emerging Farmer of the Year.
The award recognises small-scale farmers who contribute significantly to South Africa’s food production.
Mafuka, who started by planting his own seedlings, has grown his farm from one hectare to eight, supplying tomatoes for popular Tiger Brands products including All Gold tomato sauce.
The accolade highlights his perseverance despite challenges such as water scarcity and limited access to machinery, and celebrates his role in supporting the country’s agricultural sector and inspiring other emerging farmers.

Amateur astrophotographer Valter Binotto has captured stunning images of rare red rings, called ELVES, over Possagno in northern Italy.
ELVES are giant red rings that appear high in the sky above thunderstorms when powerful lightning sends energy into the upper atmosphere.
The rings measured 230 kilometres wide and 85 kilometres high.
Binotto also photographed a red sprite, a firework-like lightning display, alongside an ELVES ring, possibly for the first time ever. He says witnessing the phenomenon was overwhelming and unforgettable.