News Bulletin of 19 May 2026, 2pm

A community initiative in Blairgowrie, Johannesburg has grown into a formal partnership with the City of Johannesburg to help restore and maintain public spaces.
What began as a project to repaint street kerbs has expanded into a wider do it yourself model where the Blairgowrie Community Association and residents contribute funding and volunteer labour, while the city provides approval, coordination and technical support.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to improve public infrastructure through community driven urban renewal projects.

Nearly 9 000 learners across South Africa will receive stationery packs after R1 million was raised through the Checkers Act For Change Back to School campaign in partnership with Meals on Wheels.
The initiative will provide essential school supplies including pens, exercise books and calculators, targeting learners in under resourced schools.
Funds were raised through the sale of a limited edition exam pad as well as customer donations at till points, with additional support from several stationery brands.
Organisers say the project is helping ensure learners have the basic tools needed to participate more confidently in class and focus on their education.

The sixth edition of the Africa Rising Music Conference will take place at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on the 22nd and 23rd of May, focusing on artificial intelligence, music rights and the future of the creative industry.
This year’s event will include the first Johannesburg edition of the Berlin AI Think Tank, bringing together African and international stakeholders to discuss ethical frameworks for the use of AI in music production and distribution. Key discussions will explore creator consent, licensing, remuneration and copyright protection in AI generated music systems.
Organisers say the conference will also look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping the music industry while protecting artists’ rights and intellectual property.