News Bulletin of 17 June 2025, 3pm

Douglasdale Retirement Village (DRV) recently hosted its annual family fun day, turning the community into a vibrant festival filled with laughter, music, and delicious treats.
Residents, family, and friends gathered for a day packed with exciting activities, tasty street food, and unforgettable moments that truly highlighted the warmth and spirit of the community.
Children and adults enjoyed a variety of activities, including a treasure hunt, a Lego play area, face painting, and prize-winning games — offering something for everyone. Music lovers danced along to lively classics performed by Lemon ‘n Limelight, while the aroma of sizzling boerewors and chicken from Feedem’s braai stations filled the air.
The event also featured a popular coffee and cake bar, and the day wrapped up sweetly with DRV’s made-to-order pancakes.
A DRV spokesperson said the family fun day was a perfect way to connect, celebrate, and brighten the winter season, emphasizing how such events build lasting memories and a strong sense of community.

At a small farm school in Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal, young children are learning to read with growing confidence — and in their own language.
The shift is being driven by the Family Literacy Project, a nonprofit that trains local community members as “literacy champions” to support early reading in Grades R to 3.
At Goxhill Primary, lessons are practical, fun and rooted in the children’s lived experience — using isiZulu, sand trays, and sight words like PEP and Spar.
Many of these champions, including young trainee teachers, live in the same communities as the children, making their impact even more personal.
Now active in 15 rural areas, the project shows that even with modest resources, community-led efforts can help tackle South Africa’s reading crisis and give young learners a real shot at success.

Indoor Padel Revolution, a favourite spot for padel enthusiasts, has launched Pawdel, a community initiative to help shelter animals.
In just six weeks, the project has donated 600 padel balls to the Randburg SPCA, providing comfort and play for shelter dogs.
Led by IPR manager Josephine Baxter, the programme encourages players to donate old but still usable balls.
Some balls are also used in outreach efforts to help communities manage stray animals.
A portion of the donated balls will be sold at the SPCA, with all proceeds supporting animal food and supplies.
IPR plans to expand Pawdel to other shelters in the near future.