News Bulletin of 18 December 2025, 5pm

Volunteers joined Jozi Trails at Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary in Delta Park to remove Purpletop Vervain, an invasive weed threatening local grasslands and biodiversity. The team pulled plants from the roots, removed flowers to stop seeding, and planted Vigna vexillata, a native species supporting bees and butterflies.
Jozi Trails liaison officer Sam Brown said the effort is part of a long-term plan to restore indigenous plants and improve biodiversity in the sanctuary and the greater Braamfontein Spruit area.
Volunteers included Bridget and Lindsay Hendry, Clare Mashate, Vicki O’Brien, Zihan Lin, Tam Scheidegger, Antje Schneider, Daniel Eksteen, and Anton Eksteen.

The Franschhoek Hospitality Academy has partnered with the Prince Albert Community Trust to open a new hospitality training campus in Prince Albert.
The initiative will provide historically disadvantaged youth with access to high-quality education, practical skills, and job opportunities in the local tourism sector.
FHA will support curriculum, guidance, and quality assurance, while PACTHA will deliver programs locally.
The pilot programme launches in February 2026, aiming to broaden educational access and strengthen community development in the Karoo.

A quirky animal incident in Virginia, USA has turned into a fundraising success for Hanover County Animal Protection.
In early December, a raccoon was found unconscious in a liquor store bathroom after breaking in and was safely brought back to the shelter by Officer Martin before being released.
The story inspired “trashed panda” merchandise sales that have raised more than $180 000, equivalent to about R3 000 000 in South African currency at current exchange rates.
All proceeds will support animal care at the shelter and help train staff to respond to future wildlife emergencies, turning a viral moment into solid community support