News Bulletin of 17 August 2026, 8am

Headline 1
Santa Shoeboxes Ready Ahead of 2026 Pledges
Story 1
The Santa Shoebox Project has prepared 6,000 virtual shoeboxes ahead of its 2026 pledge period, which opens in September.
The boxes were packed with support from donors and corporate sponsors and contain items including toiletries, school supplies, clothing, sweets and toys.
The virtual option allows people who cannot pack a physical box to sponsor a box for R500.
The project will also open pledges for physical shoeboxes in September, giving South Africans an opportunity to prepare gifts for children this festive season.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
EmpowerHer Fair Opens Opportunities for Women
Story 2
The EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair has been launched to create greater economic opportunities for women-owned businesses.
The initiative gives women entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products and services, access new markets and connect with customers, partners and investors.
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says collaboration between government and the private sector is key to helping women overcome barriers and grow their businesses:
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Story 2 category
Headline 3
Brackenhurst Library Empowers Women With Life Skills
Story 3
Brackenhurst Library is connecting women with practical advice on managing money, buying homes and looking after their health.
The library recently brought together banks, healthcare providers and local businesses to provide information on saving, credit, home loans, retirement planning and health screenings.
The initiative aims to give women access to services and information that can help them make informed decisions about their finances and wellbeing.
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 63,409.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Alex Schools Netball Tournament Returns This Week
Teaser / Tailpiece story
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.
Split analysis
Local: 65 words (31%), National: 142 words (69%), International: 0 words (0%)