News Bulletin of 18 February 2026, 6pm

Headline 1
Aqua Marine Swimmers Raise R8 000 for Children’s Cancer Support
Story 1
Aqua Marine Aquatics Academy in Douglasdale has raised R8 000 for Rainbows and Smiles through its Mid-Mile charity swim.
Twenty swimmers each donated R400 and completed as many pool lengths as they could to support the children’s cancer organisation.
The academy has partnered with Rainbows and Smiles for more than ten years. Funds will provide meals, comfort packs, bedside play, and support for children in hospital and their families during treatment.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Blind Adventurer and Guide Dog Conquer 65-Kilometre Pondo Trail
Story 2
A blind adventurer and her guide dog have conquered the 65-kilometre Pondo Trail.
Angela Blackwell and her guide dog Jaydee completed the four-day trek through hot and dusty conditions, becoming the first blind person and guide dog pair to achieve the feat.
The challenge raised more than 300-thousand rand for the South African Guide Dogs Association through the Pause on the Path campaign.
The initiative also aimed to highlight the vital work the association does in supporting visually impaired South Africans.
Blackwell says working with Jaydee restored her confidence and independence.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Rabie Ridge Residents Join Free City Aerobics Session
Story 3
Aqua Marine Aquatics Academy in Douglasdale has raised R8 000 for Rainbows and Smiles through its Mid-Mile charity swim.
Twenty swimmers each donated R400 and completed as many pool lengths as they could to support the children’s cancer organisation.
The academy has partnered with Rainbows and Smiles for more than ten years. Funds will provide meals, comfort packs, bedside play, and support for children in hospital and their families during treatment.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.04 to the US Dollar, 21.72 to the British Pound, and 18.96 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,936.74 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 67.42 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 5,001.63
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Local Dog Leads Police to Missing Toddler in Louisville
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Police in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States, say a local dog helped officers locate a missing three-year-old boy.
Officer Josh Thompson and a colleague were canvassing the area near the child’s home when a dog unexpectedly joined them. The canine appeared to guide the officers, eventually leading them to a parked car where the boy had become trapped with the child locks engaged.
Officers helped the child out of the vehicle, and he was unharmed.
Thompson described the moment as unforgettable, with the boy immediately hugging him.
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Split analysis
Local: 71 words (30%), National: 162 words (70%), International: 0 words (0%)