News Bulletin of 19 December 2025, 4pm

Rand West City Local Municipality has confirmed that water supply has been restored following a revised debt settlement agreement with Rand Water.
The municipality met all conditions, including settling a R29 million shortfall on its account, allowing Rand Water to lift the Level 2 water restrictions that had been in place since July.
Residents in areas such as Venterspos, Bekkersdal, and Glenharvie can expect water to return gradually.
Municipal officials emphasised the importance of continued payment for services and urged residents to report leaks or illegal connections to help maintain a stable water supply.
The municipality apologised to affected communities and reaffirmed its commitment to improving service delivery.

The Engen Community Computer School celebrated the graduation of 87 learners from its free digital literacy programme, bringing total graduates to over 3,500 since 2009.
The four-month course in Wentworth equips residents with computer, Microsoft Office, and job-readiness skills.
Olwethu Mgagula, who lives with a physical disability, attended the course daily and said it gave him important computer skills to access new opportunities.
Engen says the programme builds digital confidence and supports learners in everyday life and future employment.

A dog missing for five years has been reunited with his family just before Christmas after turning up more than 3,200 kilometres from home.
Choco disappeared from his home in Antelope, California, in 2022. Last month, he was found chained to a fence in Detroit and taken to the Lincoln Park Animal Shelter, where staff identified him through his microchip.
Volunteer rescue organisation Helping Paws and Claws arranged for Choco’s return to California, including air travel. A donor also contributed airline miles to make the journey possible.
Choco’s owner, Patricia, said she was shocked to receive the call confirming he had been found. He has since returned home, where his family has grown but kept space for him.
Patricia has urged pet owners to microchip their animals, especially during the holiday season.