News Bulletin of 17 April 2026, 2pm

Headline 1
Jo’burg Coffee Festival returns as South Africa’s biggest coffee celebration
Story 1
The Jo’burg Coffee Festival will take place in Johannesburg from 29 to 31 May 2026 at the Fourways Mall rooftop, bringing together coffee lovers, roasters and industry professionals.
Formerly known as the Specialty Coffee Expo, the event has grown into a wider lifestyle festival while still focusing on high quality specialty coffee.
Visitors can expect tastings, live demonstrations, workshops, equipment showcases and a dedicated Roasters Village featuring top South African coffee makers.
The festival will also include food stalls, craft beer and wine offerings, live music and a curated market experience.
Organisers say the aim is to create a full sensory weekend that celebrates coffee culture alongside food, music and creativity.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Cycling initiative continues to open doors for deserving learners
Story 2
A long running cycling initiative linked to Queen’s College Boys’ High School is continuing to make a difference by helping learners access quality education.
The 1965 Ride was started by former pupil Tony Frost, who used cycling as a way to raise funds for academically deserving students who lack financial resources.
The journey sees participants cycle long distances, often from Johannesburg to Queenstown, building resilience and teamwork while supporting the cause.
School leadership, including headmaster Janse van der Ryst, together with alumni like Siliziwe Mafika, continue to support the initiative and keep its impact growing.
Janse van der Ryst says the ride not only raises funds but also reinforces values such as discipline, perseverance and unity among participants
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Services SETA creates new unit to speed up skills training
Story 3
The Services SETA has introduced a new Project Management Unit to improve how skills training programmes are delivered in South Africa.
The initiative was introduced at a workshop in Tshwane, bringing together government and sector stakeholders to address long standing implementation challenges.
The aim is to fix delays and inefficiencies that have affected some training projects, including late completion and slow certification processes.
The unit will help make sure programmes are properly managed, finished on time and that funding is used effectively.
Officials say the focus is to turn skills development funding into real training opportunities that lead to jobs.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.38 to the US Dollar, 22.15 to the British Pound, and 19.32 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,786.50 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 99.39 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 75,308.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Blankets & Wine festival confirms 2026 return in Nairobi
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Kenya’s Blankets & Wine festival will return in 2026 with three editions in Nairobi.
The first takes place on 7 June at Laureate Gardens, followed by events in September and December.
The June lineup includes artists from across Africa, including Nigerian singer Fave, spanning Afrobeats, Afro fusion and Genge.
Organisers say the festival will continue blending music, food, fashion and creative enterprise, with expanded stages and curated markets.
Now in its 17th year, it is expected to attract both local and international audiences.
Split analysis
Local: 209 words (64%), National: 118 words (36%), International: 0 words (0%)