News Bulletin of 18 April 2026, 7am

The City Centre in Steyn City will host a vibrant display of colour and creativity as the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day movement prepares for a special gathering today.

The event, which also marks World Creativity and Innovation Day, will bring together knitting groups from across Johannesburg in celebration of community, compassion and artistic expression.

The initiative, which was founded by Carolyn Steyn, has grown into a global movement, uniting “KnitWits” from all walks of life who gather to knit and crochet for those in need.

Organisers say the venue will be transformed into a lively exhibition of handmade blankets, each carrying a unique story stitched with care and purpose.

Each handcrafted piece carries more than just warmth but also reflects the hands and hearts behind it.

Africa’s first large-scale light-based art festival, was hosted in Cape Town’s inner city last week.

The event transformed historic public spaces into interactive night-time attractions and featured more than 20 installations designed to attract visitors back to the city.

Lumenocity forms part of a broader effort to revive Cape Town’s CBD outside office times, addressing reduced foot traffic in the area.

The event is supported by The Mission for Inner City Cape Town, which has championed similar projects to attract people back into the city centre.

Founder Gareth Hadden says the event blends art and technology and showcases innovative micro-grid solutions, offering a creative response to load-shedding while inspiring communities to rethink energy use and public spaces.

The Nelson Mandela University, in partnership with the Media Development and Diversity Agency and the Economic Development Fund, has launched a student-driven Creative Media Lab aimed at bridging the gap between academic training and industry demands.

The Lab operates as a working agency within the institution, providing students with hands-on experience in content creation, media production, and strategic communication.

The initiative responds to growing concerns around graduate employability by equipping students with practical skills and direct industry exposure.

Students will gain hands-on experience across a wide range of disciplines, including photography, videography, animation, graphic design and podcasting, while building industry-ready portfolios.

The university says the lab will also strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while serving as a pipeline for emerging creative talent.