News Bulletin of 19 February 2026, 5pm

Headline 1
Dis-Chem Ride for Sight Sees Record Turnout and Growing Para-Cyclist Participation
Story 1
The 37th Dis-Chem Ride for Sight, held at Boksburg City Stadium on February 15, attracted over 4 000 riders, the largest field since Covid 19. Christiaan Klopper and Lucy Young won the men’s and women’s main events, while the para-cyclist category grew to more than 60 participants, including visually impaired athletes riding tandems with pilots.
The event supports Retina SA, raising funds for research into retinal blindness, and emphasises inclusion by providing opportunities for disabled cyclists to compete safely.

Story 1 category
Headline 2
Heart Kids SA Creates Hope at Steve Biko Hospital
Story 2
It brings joy and support to children with serious heart conditions while raising awareness about congenital heart defects.)
Red balloons and laughter filled the paediatric ward at Steve Biko Academic Hospital as Heart Kids South Africa marked CHD Awareness Week.
The organisation partnered with hospital staff to create a vibrant space with games, sweets and face painting for young heart patients and their families.
Heart Kids SA says the week is about more than awareness. It is about hope, connection and standing together in support of every heart warrior.
The initiative also highlighted the work of healthcare professionals, showing how collaboration can create meaningful moments of comfort for children during treatment.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
University of Johannesburg Ranked Among Top Universities in Africa
Story 3
The University of Johannesburg has been recognised in several 2026 international rankings. In the inaugural QS World University Rankings for Sub-Saharan Africa, UJ placed second out of nearly 70 universities from 21 countries. It also ranked highest in the region for its international research network.
In addition, the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa rankings placed UJ first, while its programmes were noted for societal impact. The university continues to rank highly in science, technology, engineering, and business disciplines.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.21 to the US Dollar, 21.79 to the British Pound, and 19.05 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,977.69 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 70.35 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 65,725.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
China’s ‘Green Great Wall’ Around Taklamakan Desert Shows Measurable Carbon Impact
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Since 1978, China’s Three-North Shelter Belt program has planted an estimated 66 billion trees around the Taklamakan Desert to reduce sandstorms and protect farmland.
The desert, one of the driest places on Earth, is now partially covered by the “Green Great Wall.”
A recent NASA and Caltech study using satellite data shows the planted trees are absorbing carbon, lowering local atmospheric CO₂ levels from 416 to 413 parts per million. Researchers say this demonstrates that tree planting in arid regions can influence carbon levels and local environmental conditions.

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