News Bulletin of 17 May 2026, 1pm

The agricultural community came together at Randpark Golf Club for a charity golf day.This was hosted by Farmers Weekly, FarmTalk, and partners to raise funds and awareness for foot and mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa.While the event featured friendly competition and camaraderie, the cause was serious. FMD continues to impact livestock farmers across the country, affecting cattle, sheep, and pigs, and leading to major financial losses as well as disruptions to export markets.The initiative aimed to support affected farmers and strengthen efforts to manage and contain the disease.

A third-year University of Johannesburg student is making a difference through her outreach initiative, *Seeds of Kindness*, which supports homeless people across Johannesburg with meals, clothing, and other essentials.Founded by Athina Shezi and inspired by her grandmother’s values of compassion and ubuntu, the project relies on donations and volunteers to reach those in need. It has also expanded to assist struggling students alongside people living on the streets.

Pretoria ENT surgeon Mashudu Tshifularo is set to lead clinical trials at Steve Biko Academic Hospital using 3D-printed titanium middle-ear bones to help restore hearing. The study will involve 45 patients and builds on his 2019 breakthrough. This was when he performed the world’s first middle-ear transplant using 3D-printed oseekils. The procedure uses robotic surgery to replace damaged ear bones with biocompatible titanium implants, offering a less invasive treatment for hearing loss.