News Bulletin of 17 August 2026, 7am

Headline 1
Socks for Smiles Campaign Supports Children
Story 1
The Smile Foundation has launched its Socks for Smiles campaign to promote inclusion and raise funds for children with facial differences and burn injuries.
South Africans are encouraged to wear colourful, mismatched socks on October 16 as part of the campaign.
The initiative was launched at the foundation’s Women’s Day Breakfast in Johannesburg.
Funds raised will support the Smile Foundation’s work providing reconstructive surgery and care to children.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Tshwane Programme Benefits Over 1,500 Youth
Story 2
The City of Tshwane says over one-thousand-500 young people have benefited since the launch of the Ithuba Youth Economic Development Programme in February.
The partnership between the metro and several governmental, NGO and private sector entities aims to increase the number of economic opportunities for young people.
Mayoral committee member for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, says they have benefited from training, skills development or job placements:
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Story 2 category
Headline 3
Alex Schools Netball Tournament Returns This Week
Story 3
The Alex High Schools Netball Tournament returns this week, with seven schools set to compete for prizes and a chance to showcase young talent.
The six-week tournament starts on Thursday, with matches every Thursday at 3 Square Sports Grounds in Alexandra.
Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust and Kasi School Sports have provided schools with netball equipment and will support the competition.
The winning school will receive 50-thousand rand, while players and runners-up will also receive prizes and vouchers.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.17 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,375.73 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 63,407.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Cape Flats Programme Boosts Schoolgirls' Confidence
Teaser / Tailpiece story
A programme on Cape Town’s Cape Flats is helping 52 schoolgirls improve their academic performance and build confidence.
The programme, supported by The Angel Network SA, provides tutoring, life-skills development, mental-health support and camps for Grade 8 to 12 learners.
Some girls have improved their grades by several levels, while others have taken on leadership roles at school.
The programme also provides a safe space for girls affected by poverty, trauma and gang violence.
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