News Bulletin of 16 August 2026, 8am

Headline 1
EmpowerHer Market Boosts Women-Owned Businesses
Story 1
The EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair has been launched during Women’s Month to create more opportunities for women-owned businesses in South Africa.
The initiative connects entrepreneurs with potential investors, buyers and procurement opportunities.
Other programmes, including the South African Women in Science Awards, are supporting women through recognition and postgraduate fellowships.
The SMEWIB Summit on August 27 will also offer women entrepreneurs training and networking opportunities.
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Headline 2
Digital Programme Connects Rural Schools Nationwide
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A digital programme is bringing computer centres and Wi-Fi to rural schools across all nine provinces.
The National Teq ICT Innovation Programme is also introducing ICT learning systems to help learners gain digital skills.
The rollout has created jobs for 1,200 young people across South Africa.
The programme aims to improve access to technology and prepare learners for opportunities in the digital economy.
Mswenko Projects CEO Lucky Mbokodo explains:
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Headline 3
Norwood Youth Organisation Uses Arts To Empower
Story 3
A Norwood youth organisation is using the arts to give young people skills and opportunities outside the classroom.
Jozi Youth Empire, founded by Mapula Mojela, runs dance, music, modelling, drama and public-speaking classes at Paterson Park three days a week.
The organisation recently helped one of its young members, Rorisang Simelane, take part in South Africa Kids Fashion Week.
JYE is also preparing to host the Miss JYE 2027 pageant in December and is looking for sponsors to expand its programmes.
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Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.17 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,375.73 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 63,004.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Boulders Beach Ranked Among World’s Best
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Boulders Beach in Cape Town has once again earned international recognition, ranking 20th on Big Seven Travel’s list of the world’s 50 best beaches for 2026.
The Simon’s Town attraction is known for its sheltered waters, granite rocks and endangered African penguins.
Visitors can swim in designated areas and view the penguins from boardwalks but are urged not to feed or touch the wild animals.
Boulders previously ranked 12th on the same list in 2021.
The beach forms part of Table Mountain National Park and remains a major tourism drawcard.
Split analysis
Local: 80 words (37%), National: 134 words (63%), International: 0 words (0%)