News Bulletin of 17 February 2026, 6am

Aqua Marine Aquatics Academy in Douglasdale has raised eight-thousand rand for Rainbows and Smiles through its Mid-Mile charity swim.
The event, held earlier this month, saw 20 swimmers each donate 400 rand and complete as many pool lengths as possible.
The academy has partnered with the children’s cancer support organisation for more than ten years.
Funds raised will help provide meals, comfort packs and bedside play for children in hospital and support for their families during treatment.

Bohlokwa Khitsane has finished seventh at the Karate 1 Youth World League in Dubai, after winning four of his six bouts against a field of 95 competitors.
The Harrismith-born JKA Karate athlete advanced through multiple elimination rounds before two narrow defeats ended his run, placing him among the top ten in his division.
The result builds on his 2022 campaign at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in England, where he won two gold medals and one silver.
His latest performance strengthens South Africa’s record in youth karate, following the national team’s clean sweep of medals at the 2025 African Youth Games.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 welcomed thousands of athletes from around the world and among them were competitors over the age of 59 years-old.
The athletes competed with energy and skill on tracks, in pools and on courts.
The event aims to encourage an active lifestyle, celebrate sport and promote cultural exchange.
Mohamed Al-Ramithy, Director from the Open Masters Games, says the athletes are proving that passion and determination grow stronger with time, inspiring everyone who watches them in action:
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