News Bulletin of 18 August 2025, 10am

Headline 1
Sesame Workshop and Book Village Bring Playful Education to Life
Story 1
Non-profit organisation Sesame Workshop International South Africa together with Book Village hosted a play festival at Cosmo City Primary School last month.
The festival promoted education and literacy through interactive play including a reading corner, a dance station, a language learning station as well as a listening game.
Deputy managing director and senior director of education and outreach at Sesame Workshop International, Mari Payne, says the event benefited 89 Grade R children and 376 Grade 1 children from the local primary school in Cosmo City.
She says their aim is to recognise the achievements of their organisation and Book Village in promoting education and literacy.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
AFDA Students Shine With Win 5 Awards at 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards
Story 2
Students and graduates from the South African School of Motion picture AFDA have won five prestigious awards at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards.
The annual Film and Television Awards, hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, celebrate creative excellence across KZN’s film and television sectors.
Launched in 2013, the ceremony highlights regional talent in categories spanning acting, production, cinematography and cultural storytelling.
These awards reinforce Afda’s significant role in building the next generation of storytellers and industry leaders.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Wits University Researchers Use Light to Advance Quantum Technology
Story 3
Researchers of Wits University’s Structured Light Laboratory are using light to drive breakthroughs in secure communication and quantum technology.
The lab operates at the intersection of classical optics, quantum physics, and artificial intelligence.
Wits’ professor, Andrew Forbes says using structured quantum light, they have developed a quantum camera that can see through living tissue or tinted glass:
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Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 17.61 to the US Dollar, 23.86 to the British Pound, and 20.60 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 3,335.82 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 65.78 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 115,483.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
National Parks Week Kicks Off With Celebration At Kruger National Park
Teaser / Tailpiece story
South African National Parks will offer free entry to most of its 21 parks during national parks week from 22 to 26 September, with some open until 28 September.
The week kicks off with a celebration at the Kruger National Park’s Mopani Rest Camp, in Limpopo, on 21 September.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw says the initiative promotes pride in South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage and raises awareness about conservation:
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Split analysis
Local: 0 words (0%), National: 102 words (43%), International: 137 words (57%)