News Bulletin of 16 June 2026, 9am

Two new course records were set at the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, with South Africa's George Kusche and Gerda Steyn emerging as champions in the men's and women's races. Steyn claimed her fifth Comrades Marathon title, breaking the Up Run course record she set in 2024. Her latest victory marks her fourth consecutive win and makes her only the second woman and seventh runner overall to achieve five victories in the race's history. Kusche also made history, winning the men's race and breaking an Up Run course record that had stood for 18 years.This year's event marked the 50th Up Run and the 99th Comrades Marathon overall.

Roodepoort entrepreneur Chaythin Naidu has gained international recognition after his employment technology venture was named among the top 15 teams in the 2026 BeChangeMaker programme. The initiative, supported by UNESCO-UNEVOC, WorldSkills and the HP Foundation, recognises young innovators tackling social and economic challenges. Naidu's venture connects job seekers with opportunities, aligning with their skills, interests and career goals. He says this achievement has allowed him to expand employment opportunities in South Africa.

The Soweto Theatre is staging a renewed production of the iconic musical Sarafina! to mark 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising. The production aims to keep the memory of apartheid resistance alive while introducing their story to a new generation. Director Mpho Molepo said the team has reimagined the show in a way that resonates with today's youth, while still honouring the original vision of the late Mbongeni Ngema.