News Bulletin of 17 August 2026, 12pm

African scientists and engineers are preparing to send a radio telescope to the Moon in 2029 as part of the Africa2Moon mission.
The project, involving Rhodes University and other African partners, will use three small spheres that will spread across the lunar surface and work together as a telescope.
The equipment will study low-frequency radio signals that cannot be detected from Earth and search for possible signs of technology beyond our planet.
Speaking to The GoodThings Guy, Africa2Moon science lead Dr Adriana Marais says the project shows that African scientists and engineers can build ambitious technology and work together to take it beyond Earth:
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FNB Art Joburg has named Botswana artist Kelebogile Marope as the winner of the 2026 FNB Art Prize.
Marope is the first artist from Botswana to receive the award, now in its 16th year.
She will receive a cash prize and a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery in 2027.
Marope says the prize belongs to her community and students:
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Eighteen-year-old Cape Town swimmer Amber-Rose Berry will attempt to become the youngest South African woman to swim across the English Channel during National Women’s Month.
Berry will attempt the crossing between August 21 and 27, depending on weather, tides and currents, swimming from England towards France.
She already holds the record as the youngest woman to complete the 34-kilometre False Bay crossing.
Her English Channel swim will also raise funds for the Ukukhula Institute, which provides bursaries to disadvantaged student-athletes.