News Bulletin of 18 July 2026, 1pm

Headline 1
Pretoria learner crowned Tshwane West Science Olympiad champion
Story 1
An 11-year-old learner from Pretoria West has been crowned the Tshwane West district champion in the Gauteng Department of Education's Natural Sciences and Technology Olympiad.

Jason Porter has qualified for the provincial competition, where he will compete against Gauteng's top young science learners.

The Olympiad serves as an identifier of scientific talent, promotes critical thinking and encourages primary and high school learners to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

The competition is contested over four rounds, beginning at school level before progressing to district, provincial and national finals.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
UP unveils Degrees Delivered initiative
Story 2
The University of Pretoria has unveiled a R50 million fundraising campaign to help qualifying graduates overcome historical student debt.

The Degrees Delivered initiative seeks to settle outstanding debt for graduates who have successfully completed all academic requirements but are unable to collect their certificates due to unpaid fees.

The campaign forms part of the university's Thrive UP 2038 strategy, which seeks to expand access to opportunities while creating lasting social impact.

The University of Pretoria's Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen, says the campaign was created to address what he described as a painful but common reality that is faced by many graduates.
The Degrees Delivered initiative will run until 2028.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
UWC dominates USSA Dance Championships
Story 3
The University of the Western Cape’s Dance Sport Club claimed 21 medals at the 2026 University Sports South Africa Dance Sport Championships that was hosted by the University of the Free State.

The event featured a wide range of competitions including Latin American, Standard, and Street Dance.

The University won 10 gold, seven silver and four bronze medals across ballroom, Latin American and street dance events.

Co-captain Dene Visser says hard work and dedication contributed to its success
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Trek4Mandela expedition continues mission to end period poverty
Teaser / Tailpiece story
The annual Trek4Mandela expedition is currently underway on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, where
climbers are tackling Africa’s highest peak, in honour of the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.

The initiative which is led by the Imbumba Foundation, aims to raise funds for the Caring4Girls programme, which provides menstrual hygiene products to schoolgirls, reducing the impact of period poverty.

Since its inception, Trek4Mandela has brought together climbers from across the country, turning the climb into a movement focused on dignity, education and social change.
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