News Bulletin of 19 June 2026, 2pm

A Pretoria woman, Lohandi, has experienced sound for the first time in 30 years after undergoing a cochlear implant procedure supported by the About Sound Project, Operation Healing Hands and partner organisations.
For decades, she relied on lip reading and concentration to communicate after living with severe hearing loss.
The procedure took place in May at the Pretoria Cochlear Implant Unit, with the device activated this month in an emotional moment that allowed her to hear the voices of loved ones for the first time. Medical teams say the breakthrough highlights the impact of expanding access to hearing solutions in South Africa.

South African artist Ros Koch from Stellenbosch has been selected to exhibit her work at the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award.
Her work, titled The Age of Adolescence, was chosen in the final round of judging, placing her among just 52 artists selected from thousands of global entries.
The exhibition is regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms for contemporary portraiture and attracts international attention from the art community.
Koch says the recognition highlights the global relevance of her work, which explores adolescent wellbeing and advocacy themes.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched the Milestones of Freedom Campaign at the Union Buildings, praising the role played by anti apartheid activists in shaping South Africa’s democracy.
The year long programme marks key historical milestones including 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising, 70 years since the Women’s March and 30 years of the Constitution.
It will also bring government services closer to communities while promoting social cohesion and civic participation.