News Bulletin of 17 June 2026, 5pm

The Society for Animals in Distress has received two major awards at the 2026 African Excellence Awards, recognising its mobile veterinary outreach work across Gauteng.
Through its mobile clinic, the organisation provides essential animal healthcare in underserved communities including Tembisa, Ivory Park and Soshanguve, treating more than 100 animals per outreach. Services include vaccinations, deworming, emergency care and sterilisation support.
In partnership with the University of Pretoria and the VetSCO student group, the programme also helps train future veterinary professionals while improving access to care for vulnerable animals.
SAID says its ongoing focus is to expand sterilisation efforts and reduce animal overpopulation through its Twenty Twenty Fix campaign.

The Field Band Project in Danielskuil in the Northern Cape is celebrating seven years of developing young people through music, with a Youth Day event forming part of provincial commemorations.
The programme teaches learners instruments such as piano, trumpet and drums, while also focusing on discipline, teamwork and personal development. It is supported by international donors and has become a key youth empowerment initiative in the area.
Top performers are given the opportunity to join an exchange programme in Norway, where they continue their music studies for a year and gain international experience.
One of the organisers, Neo, says it is important for children to feel a sense of belonging *

Midrand entrepreneur Liffty “Mr Matt” Bvuma is helping to address unemployment by training young people and women in practical construction skills through his 32 Acts of Impact campaign.
The initiative, led by the founder of Safe Secure Reliable Holdings, provides participants with hands on training in areas such as bricklaying and basic building techniques. It also includes mentorship, classroom learning and industry exposure aimed at improving employability in the construction sector.
Bvuma says the programme is focused on creating opportunities for communities affected by high unemployment, while equipping participants with skills to enter and grow within the industry.