News Bulletin of 17 March 2026, 9am

Headline 1
Adopt-a-School launches After-School Arts programme in Gauteng schools
Story 1
The Adopt-a-School Foundation is piloting an after-school arts programme at five primary schools in Gauteng for Grade 4 to 7 learners.
The 11-month initiative began in February with an Art Boot Camp that trained youth facilitators to lead creative sessions and mentor younger learners.
Through structured activities aligned with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), learners are developing creativity, confidence and critical thinking skills.
Early feedback shows stronger participation and self-expression among learners, while facilitators are gaining leadership experience and supporting their communities.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Jazz in the Lights returns to Johannesburg Zoo on 21 March
Story 2
Jazz In The Lights returns to Johannesburg Zoo on March 21, with live jazz performances and family activities.
Local artists including Jimmy Dludlu, Dumza Maswana, Andile Yenana, Afrika Mkhize and Msaki will perform at the event.
Families can bring picnic blankets, explore zoo trails, meet farm animals and take part in creative and educational experiences.
The festival combines music, food, and community, offering attendees a chance to enjoy jazz performances and nature in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Life Westville Hospital Hosts Kidney Awareness Event to promote community health
Story 3
Life Westville Hospital hosted a Kidney Awareness event last Thursday to encourage the community to take steps to protect their kidney health.
Dr Priyesh Mody highlighted diabetes and high blood pressure as the main causes of kidney problems and urged people to get regular check-ups and consider organ donation.
Hospital manager Ishan Sewpersad says small actions like screenings and managing chronic conditions can make a big difference in keeping kidneys healthy.
The event, part of World Kidney Day, aimed to empower residents with knowledge and practical ways to care for themselves and their families.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.66 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,023.49 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 74,198.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Karabo Poppy illustrates 1st children’s book, Hugged by the Night
Teaser / Tailpiece story
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:
*sound*
Split analysis
Local: 158 words (63%), National: 94 words (37%), International: 0 words (0%)