News Bulletin of 17 February 2026, 2pm

Headline 1
STEM Bootcamp Inspires Girls and Youth in Pretoria
Story 1
The University of Pretoria in Pretoria, Gauteng, hosted a two-day STEM Bootcamp on Electricity, Skyscrapers and Engineering for Sustainable Cities from 11 to 12 February 2026, in partnership with UNESCO, IEEE, South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Department of Basic Education.
The programme brought together 200 secondary school learners, especially from rural schools, and 40 STEM teachers, offering hands-on activities in electricity, engineering design, and skyscraper construction. Motivational talks and mentorship sessions highlighted real-world STEM careers and opportunities for girls.
Speakers emphasized the importance of early STEM exposure and inclusive partnerships to prepare young people for Africa’s growing economy.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Proteas Women Seal T20 Series Win
Story 2
The South Africa women's national cricket team have claimed the T20 International series against the Pakistan women's national cricket team, despite a 53-run defeat in the final match in Benoni.
South Africa won the opening two games of the three-match series, making the loss at Willowmoore Park academic.
Pakistan recovered from 68 for 5, with captain Fatima Sana scoring an unbeaten 47. The Proteas were unable to chase down the target, with captain Laura Wolvaardt pointing to fielding as an area for improvement.
The focus now shifts to the three-match ODI series, starting in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Pangolin Rescued and Receiving Lifesaving Care
Story 3

Law enforcement, Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, and Fourways Veterinary Hospital, with help from Airlink and Impact for Wildlife, rescued a young pangolin named Pikkewyn and gave her a fighting chance.
She was found during a routine roadblock outside Beaufort West and taken into care by CapeNature before being flown to Johannesburg for specialist treatment.
At Fourways Veterinary Hospital, Pikkewyn underwent a CT scan to assess her injuries. Veterinarians hope she can recover fully and one day return safely to the wild.
Pangolins play a vital role in South Africa’s ecosystems.

Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.04 to the US Dollar, 21.81 to the British Pound, and 19.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,911.90 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 68.65 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 67,797.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Over 60s shine at Open Masters Games 2026 in Abu Dhabi
Teaser / Tailpiece story
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 highlighted that age does not have to be a limiting factor.
Held from 6 to 15 February, the event welcomed thousands of athletes from around the world competing across multiple sporting codes.
Competitors over 60 demonstrated that passion, power and performance remain strong well beyond retirement age.
Split analysis
Local: 194 words (68%), National: 91 words (32%), International: 0 words (0%)