News Bulletin of 16 January 2026, 4pm

Headline 1
Pretoria Metro Reports 33% Growth in Informal Economy
Story 1
The City of Tshwane says Pretoria’s informal economy has grown by 33% over the past year, adding an estimated 57,000 livelihoods following the approval of a new by-law supporting township and informal businesses.
MMC for Economic Development Sarah Mabotsa highlighted the sector’s role in tackling unemployment, restoring economic dignity, and providing income opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
The by-law broadens the definition of informal trade to include spaza shops, flea markets, mobile traders, and container-based businesses, while providing infrastructure, training, and regulatory support.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Mellon Educate Expands Literacy Hubs in Cape Town
Story 2
Mellon Educate is helping children in Cape Town townships learn to read and thrive. Its Literacy Hubs, offering free one-on-one tutoring and digital learning, were built as part of the 2025 Building Blitz and continue to provide learning support.
The programme has already reached 36 schools and almost 100,000 children and aims to expand to one million learners, creating 10,000 new teaching opportunities.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said the partnership with schools and the Department of Education is helping learners succeed. Founder Niall Mellon says every hub is a cornerstone for South Africa’s future, giving children the skills to thrive in school and life.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Boulders Shopping Centre Brings Back-to-School Smiles
Story 3
Boulders Shopping Centre, in partnership with Tshwaranang OVC, treated local children to fresh haircuts, cornrows, grocery packs, and a warm lunch to start the school year with pride and confidence.
The initiative aimed to uplift the children’s spirits and remind them they are valued, while also giving practical support for the new term. Marketing manager Sandy Mabena said the programme reflects the centre’s ongoing commitment to community care, showing that Boulders is more than just a shopping destination.
Looking ahead, the centre plans to continue initiatives that foster unity, compassion, and opportunity for local children
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.39 to the US Dollar, 21.96 to the British Pound, and 19.04 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,601.03 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 63.76 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 95,509.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Kyrgyzstan Opens First Solar Power Plant
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Kyrgyzstan inaugurated its first solar power plant, a 100-megawatt installation that will generate 210 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and cut 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The plant, about 100 kilometres east of the capital Bishkek, will power a small city and is part of a broader renewable energy push. Foreign investors have signed 12 more solar and wind agreements, which could add five gigawatts of clean energy in the coming decades.
President Sadyr Japarov said the opening marks a key step in strengthening energy independence and supporting stable electricity supplies for the population and economy
Split analysis
Local: 181 words (64%), National: 103 words (36%), International: 0 words (0%)