News Bulletin of 17 April 2026, 4pm

Headline 1
Randburg women raise funds for Mandela Day feeding drive
Story 1
Women gathered at Syringa Café in Bromhof, Randburg, for a creative fundraiser supporting the Belly to Brain non profit organisation ahead of Mandela Day.
The event, hosted by the South African Council for Business Women, combined networking and craft activities to raise funds for a goal of 20 000 sandwiches for vulnerable children.
The organisation, which supports children with food and basic essentials, plans to distribute the meals to several beneficiaries on Mandela Day in July.
Organisers say the initiative helps bring the community together while supporting children facing food insecurity.
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 helping learners access quality education.
The 1965 Ride was started by former pupil Tony Frost to raise funds for academically deserving students in need.
Participants cycle long distances, often from Johannesburg to Queenstown, building resilience and teamwork.
Headmaster Janse van der Ryst says the ride also reinforces discipline, perseverance and unity.
Beneficiary Siliziwe Mafika says he has seen the impact and will continue supporting the race.*
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Community clean-up drive transforms Zandspruit and Honeydew
Story 3
A community clean-up campaign led by the Soulbent Project is helping restore public spaces in Zandspruit, Honeydew and surrounding areas.
Volunteers have been working to remove litter, clear illegal dumping sites and improve the local environment as part of an ongoing initiative to promote cleaner and safer communities.
Organisers say the campaign is driven by collaboration between residents and partners, with visible improvements already seen in several areas.
They add that the effort is also helping build community pride and a stronger sense of responsibility among residents.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Portugal launches deposit scheme to boost plastic recycling
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Portugal has introduced a new deposit return system to improve its low plastic recycling rates and reduce waste.
Shoppers will now pay an extra fee of about 10 cents on bottled drinks and cans, which is refunded when the packaging is returned for recycling.
The scheme aims to increase recycling and help the country meet European targets, as Portugal currently has low use of recycled materials.
Collection points are being set up in supermarkets, cafés and public areas for easy returns.
Officials say the programme is part of wider efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Split analysis
Local: 89 words (35%), National: 165 words (65%), International: 0 words (0%)