News Bulletin of 17 October 2026, 12pm

Mintek researcher Dr Nthabiseng Moshokoa has won the 2026 FameLab South Africa science communication competition.
She will represent South Africa in Poland after winning with a three-minute presentation on research that combines artificial intelligence and 3D printing to develop materials to help doctors treat blocked arteries.
The competition challenges young researchers to explain complex scientific ideas in ways the public can understand.
Managing Director of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, Dr Mamoeletso Mosia, says science communication helps people understand research and how it affects their lives:
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A Soweto urban farmer has won R70 000 to grow his farming business and support more local farmers.
Phetole Raseropo, founder of P Agricultural Group in Tladi, was named the 2026 IWISA No1 Community Champion in Gauteng at an awards ceremony in Tshwane this week.
His business produces seedlings, supports community farmers and employs 55 people.
Along with the prize money, he will receive business training and mentorship to help expand his enterprise.

The Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy launched its new DigiBus in Langa, Cape Town, this week to improve access to digital learning for schoolchildren.
The mobile classroom is equipped with 44 laptops and interactive teaching technology.
It will serve about 1,300 learners across five primary schools, helping them develop their English, mathematics, coding and digital literacy skills.
Sponsored by Coronation, the programme has been running since 2022, with the sponsor committing to another ten years of support.