News Bulletin of 18 May 2026, 11am

Headline 1
Learners build electric vehicle in Gauteng
Story 1
Learners at Igugu Primary School in Soweto have started using a new coding and robotics centre launched by iSchoolAfrica and iStore last week.
The partners refurbished the facility and provided iPads and other devices to support digital learning and coding skills development.
Learners took part in robotics and coding sessions as part of ongoing training programmes linked to the school.
The centre aims to improve access to digital education in the community and prepare learners for future technology careers.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Western Cape learners get Maths support
Story 2
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:
*sound*
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Garden Route gains another global accolade
Story 3
Cape Town has been ranked the fifth-best city in the world for culture in Time Out’s latest global survey.
The ranking is based on feedback from thousands of residents across more than 150 cities, assessing music, festivals, arts and literature.
Cape Town received praise for its vibrant live music scene and cultural landmarks including Zeitz MOCAA, the Baxter Theatre and Artscape.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.68 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,539.75 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 77,048.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Disney Africa launches Spark Conversation programme
Teaser / Tailpiece story
The Walt Disney Company Africa, National Geographic Society and Sunshine Cinema have launched the #SparkConversation screening programme.
The initiative will screen National Geographic content, NEWF films, and Africa Refocused documentaries across communities in Southern Africa.
The programme also trains youth facilitators to host mobile screenings and lead discussions on conservation, climate change and social issues using solar-powered “Sunbox” cinema kits.
The rollout includes youth programmes in the Kavango Zambezi Conservation Area and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where participants will run community screenings and discussions.
Split analysis
Local: 79 words (31%), National: 114 words (45%), International: 61 words (24%)