News Bulletin of 16 October 2026, 11am

Headline 1
Mintek Researcher Wins FameLab South Africa
Story 1
Mintek researcher Dr Nthabiseng Moshokoa will represent South Africa in Poland after winning the 2026 FameLab South Africa science communication competition.
She won with a three-minute presentation on research that uses artificial intelligence and 3D printing to develop materials to help doctors treat blocked arteries.
The competition challenges young researchers to explain complex scientific ideas in ways the public can understand.
Managing Director of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, Dr Mamoeletso Mosia, explains why the initiative matters:
*sound*
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Benoni Festival Backs Young Entrepreneurs
Story 2
Young entrepreneurs have won bursaries and business support at Rotary BizEast’s inaugural pitch festival in Benoni, aimed at helping young people turn business ideas into sustainable enterprises.
14-year-old Lihle Mfenqa won a 28-thousand-rand bursary, while Onalerona Tudu won a 25-thousand-rand bursary.
Both also received laptops and cash prizes.
The festival connected young entrepreneurs with mentors and potential customers, with Rotary BizEast planning continued support to help the finalists grow their businesses.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Blaauwberg Reserve Earns Green Coast Status
Story 3
Blaauwberg Nature Reserve in Cape Town has received Green Coast Status for the seventh time, recognising its efforts to protect coastal habitats and plant species.
The reserve covers about two-thousand hectares and seven kilometres of coastline, where more than 200 plant species have been identified.
The status also recognises efforts to involve local communities and improve access to environmental education, including through South Africa’s first Braille coastal environmental education signage, introduced at the reserve in February.
The City of Cape Town says it works with conservation organisations and community groups to protect the reserve, support environmental education and promote responsible tourism.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.49 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,145.56 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 82,243.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Cape 1000 Rally Earns International Award Shortlisting
Teaser / Tailpiece story
The Cape 1000 classic-car rally has been shortlisted for Rally or Tour of the Year at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards.
Founded in 2022, the five-day rally covers 1,000 miles and challenges drivers to maintain precise timing along the route.
The 2026 event also raised more than R300,000 for the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund and the QuadPara Association of South Africa.
The awards ceremony will take place in London on 13 November, when the winners will be announced.
The next Cape 1000 rally is scheduled for 20 to 25 March 2027, with about 70 cars expected to take part.
Split analysis
Local: 72 words (28%), National: 101 words (40%), International: 81 words (32%)