News Bulletin of 18 May 2026, 10am

The Wits School of Arts is hosting a month-long Africa Month programme at the University of the Witwatersrand, featuring performances, exhibitions, film screenings and public discussions.
Celebrated every May, Africa Month commemorates the formation of the Organisation of African Unity and highlights African heritage, identity and creativity.
This year’s theme, “Water as Life, Memory, and Infrastructure,” explores the role of water in culture and everyday life across Africa and the Global South.
The ongoing programme includes jazz, theatre, workshops and exhibitions, and will conclude later this month with a tribute concert honouring legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba.

Young learners across the Western Cape are set to receive extra support in Maths through a new numeracy programme launched by the Western Cape Education Department and Funda Wande.
The Bala Wande initiative aims to help Foundation Phase pupils build confidence in numbers and problem-solving from an early age by improving the way Maths is taught in classrooms.
Teachers will receive training, learner materials and maths kits to make lessons more interactive and easier for children to understand in different languages.
The programme is expected to help more young learners develop stronger numeracy skills and a better foundation for future learning.
Almaret du Toit, Chief Education Specialist from the Western Cape Education Department:
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The Oceans 8 Charity Swim returns to Vetch’s Beach in Durban later this month, bringing together swimmers, schools and charities to raise funds for conservation, education and community projects.
Since launching in 2023, the event has raised more than R3 million for organisations supporting rescue services, wildlife protection, early childhood education and environmental work.
Swimmers complete distances that convert into donations for participating charities, helping fund projects such as coastal rescue operations and anti-poaching initiatives.
The event was started by four founding charities, including the National Sea Rescue Institute and Project Rhino.