News Bulletin of 16 March 2026, 12pm

Headline 1
Adopt-a-School Pilots After-School Arts programme in Gauteng schools
Story 1
The Adopt-a-School Foundation is piloting an after-school arts programme at 5-primary schools across Gauteng for Grade 4 to 7 learners.
The 11-month programme began with an Art Boot Camp in February to train youth facilitators, who now lead art sessions and mentor younger learners.
Learners develop creativity, confidence and critical thinking through structured art activities that complement the CAPS curriculum.
Early feedback shows the programme is boosting participation and self-expression, while facilitators gain leadership experience and support their communities.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Jazz In The Lights returns to Johannesburg Zoo on March 21
Story 2
Jazz In The Lights returns to Johannesburg Zoo on March 21, with live jazz performances and family activities.
Local artists including Jimmy Dludlu, Dumza Maswana, Andile Yenana, Afrika Mkhize and Msaki will perform at the event.
Families can bring picnic blankets, explore zoo trails, meet farm animals and take part in creative and educational experiences.
The festival combines music, food, and community, offering attendees a chance to enjoy jazz performances and nature in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
University of Cape Town Student builds home using soil and waste materials in Ennerdale
Story 3
A University of Cape Town student, Matimba Mabonda, and his team built a three-bedroom home in Ennerdale using soil and waste materials.
The house, which includes a kitchen, bathroom, living area and garage, was completed in under a month.
The construction method reduces reliance on conventional building materials and offers a sustainable, low-cost housing solution.
The approach could provide a model for addressing South Africa’s housing shortage while lowering the environmental impact of construction:
*sound*
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
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 73,269.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Cape Town and Lagos featured in Time Out 2026 Best Cities Ranking
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Cape Town and Lagos have been recognised in Time Out’s 2026 Best Cities ranking, with Cape Town named Africa’s top city and Lagos entering the global top 50.
The Mother City continues to attract visitors with events like the KNOX MMA fight series in February and the upcoming Montreux Jazz Festival, while new hotels and restaurants open across the V&A Waterfront.
In Lagos, new restaurants, beach clubs and cultural venues strengthen the city’s arts and entertainment scene, while events like Lagos Fashion Week and Detty December draw international attention.
Split analysis
Local: 153 words (67%), National: 76 words (33%), International: 0 words (0%)