News Bulletin of 15 January 2026, 2pm

Bling for Bravery is celebrating the courage of children recovering from surgery in Gauteng orthopaedic hospitals by giving them donated race medals. The initiative recognises the resilience of these young patients and the bravery they show every day.
Founder Dean Dicks says even a single medal can lift a child’s spirits and create memories they will cherish long after surgery. The charity has already distributed thousands of medals, books, and toys.
Gauteng residents can donate medals at Crunch Fitness in Benoni, Cycle Lab in Fourways, or Run-A-Way Sport in Pretoria. Drop-offs are open until 30 January.

uShaka Sea World celebrated the birth of three healthy thorntail ray pups in its Open Ocean aquarium exhibit.
The pups, two females and one male, are born fully independent and feature a small protective tip on their barbs to safeguard their mother during birth.
After health checks by Saambr’s animal team, the pups were released on Tuesday morning at a sheltered beach in front of the Durban Undersea Club, giving them access to natural food and a safe environment.
This follows last year’s successful release of six thorntail pups and highlights ongoing efforts to protect this vulnerable marine species.

Gauteng Department of Education assures all learners will be placed as schools reopen
The Gauteng Department of Education says it is acting swiftly to make sure all learners are placed.
Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says the department is using temporary classrooms and preparing additional satellite schools, a tried-and-tested approach that lets learners begin schooling while teams finalise long-term solutions across districts.
Parents whose children are still awaiting placement are urged to remain patient as the process continues. Premier Panyaza Lesufi adds they are hard at work to ensure every child is accommodated.