News Bulletin of 17 March 2026, 7am

The National CleanTech Innovation Challenge is inviting South African innovators to share ideas that could improve how people move around Gauteng, with applications closing on 21 April 2026.
The challenge encourages projects that support cleaner transport, including electric vehicles, ride-sharing, logistics solutions and data tools that can make city travel easier while cutting emissions.
The winner will receive R3 million, second place R2 million, and provinces will also award R1 million to support local projects.
Thirty semi-finalists will receive mentorship and guidance to help develop and scale their innovations.
The challenge is open to innovators, entrepreneurs, SMMEs, and university research teams.

Residents of Kya Sands are partnering with the charity Beanies for Beings to improve living conditions in their community.
Two years ago, the team began by sourcing materials to rebuild a family’s shack that had burned down, then collaborated with the charity to provide household and clothing items.
Since then, they have repaired homes, distributed essential, and supported hundreds of residents facing socio-economic challenges.
Recently, donations of woodworking tools, building materials, and other supplies will allow the team to expand their work.
Beanies for Beings’ Megan Botha says all these donations will go towards the betterment of the people of Kya Sands, creating employment and fixing homes.

Karabo Poppy has illustrated her first children’s book, Hugged by the Night, written by Harold Green III.
She turned Green’s poem into pictures, choosing colors and creating the idea of night to comfort children.
Chronicle Books asked her to join the project and gave her freedom to design the visuals in her own style.
Poppy used her experience as a graphic designer and street artist to make a children’s book that combines story, pictures and culture:
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