News Bulletin of 18 June 2026, 3pm

A Midrand charity initiative is once again providing support to vulnerable residents during the winter months through blanket donations and other essential assistance.
Led by philanthropist Nagaraju Gurrala, the annual drive works with community partners to help homeless people, orphanages and struggling families across Gauteng.
The campaign recently received a boost from Halls, which donated blankets and other items to support the effort. The initiative has been running for nearly a decade and has expanded over the years to include food parcels, grocery support and assistance for vulnerable households.

South African chef Chantel Dartnall has been appointed a Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite, one of France’s highest national honours, in recognition of her contribution to gastronomy and international culinary excellence. The award, given by the French President, recognises individuals whose work strengthens France’s cultural influence globally.
Dartnall, known for her work at Restaurant Mosaic and Château des Tesnières in Brittany, has built an international reputation for blending food, art and nature into fine dining experiences. She says the honour reflects the support of her family, team and collaborators who have been part of her journey from South Africa to France.

The Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, in partnership with The Cyberculture Foundation, has rolled out a cyber safety awareness programme at Jiswa School in Lenasia, Gauteng.
The initiative focused on equipping learners with skills to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly, covering cyberbullying, online risks, protecting personal information and responsible social media use.
The session included interactive discussions aimed at encouraging positive digital behaviour, including for learners with special educational needs.
The programme was delivered to help learners recognise unsafe online situations and respond appropriately while building confidence in their use of technology.