News Bulletin of 19 April 2026, 1pm

The Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton has launched a blanket drive to support vulnerable communities ahead of winter.
The initiative forms part of the hotel’s ongoing community outreach programmes.
Previous campaigns have included collecting teddy bears and seasonal donations for nearby organisations.
Blankets collected this year will be distributed to people in Sandton and surrounding areas, including Alexandra.

Streetscape’s Community Projects in Cape Town has partnered with Girls with Wings to launch a sanitary pad packing and labelling programme.
The initiative gives participants weekly work experience while earning an income and building workplace skills such as teamwork and quality control.
The programme also supports the distribution of sanitary products to underprivileged women and schoolgirls across the city.
Organisers say the project is aimed at creating work opportunities while improving dignity and access to essential products.

The Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference, held this week in Kimberley, has focused on turning investment into job creation and local economic growth.
At the event, businesses funded by the National Empowerment Fund to the value of more than R300 million were officially launched.
The eight businesses are already creating jobs and contributing to the economic development of the province.
National Empowerment Fund CEO Muziwabantu Dayimane says the initiative is aimed at expanding opportunities and strengthening inclusive growth in the Northern Cape:
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