News Bulletin of 15 March 2026, 8am

New Children’s Amphitheatre Begins Construction
The National Children’s Theatre in Parktown has officially started building a new outdoor stage and amphitheatre. This was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. The amphitheatre will seat around 250–275 people and will be the first outdoor amphitheatre in South Africa dedicated specifically to young audiences. Speaking at the event, trustee Andrea Katz thanked partners supporting the project and explained that the new venue will expand the theatre’s performance space and help increase ticket sales, strengthening the theatre’s future.
Sandton and Gauteng
Corporate runners hit the streets in Joburg challenge
The streets of Melrose, Birdhaven and Rosebank buzzed with energy as thousands took part in the annual JP MorganChase Corporate Challenge this past week. The Challenge in Johannesburg drew an impressive turnout of 14,500 participants from 252 companies gathering for the popular 5.6km run. This year marked the 21st edition and forms part of a much larger international series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Sandton and Gauteng
SA artivist honoured for creativity and impact
South African artivist Natania Botha received the Honour Award for Environmental and Creative Stewardship at the WOW Africa 50 Women Awards in Sandton. Botha transforms recycled materials and spent bullet casings into sculptures that raise awareness about environmental and social issues. Her work has gained international recognition, including presentations to the United Nations, with her latest collection focusing on peace and resilience.
(It’s feel-good news because her creativity is inspiring change, promoting sustainability, and encouraging communities to think critically about social and environmental challenges.)
South Africa
Financial Indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.94 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,021.13 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 71,549.00.
New Springbok anthem aims to inspire fans
Nearly three decades after the iconic rugby anthem World in Union stirred pride in stadiums across South Africa, the country may once again have a new anthem. This time, the voice behind it belongs to talented singer Anslin Gysman, whose powerful performance on the new Springbok rugby anthem They Don’t Know What We Know is already starting to capture attention. The title is a direct translation of the proudly South African phrase “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” a phrase that perfectly captures the quiet confidence and belief that often surrounds the South Africa national rugby union team and its passionate supporters.

Local: 145 words (63%), National: 84 words (37%), International: 0 words (0%)