News Bulletin of 19 November 2025, 2pm

The Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards, taking place in Johannesburg on 20 November, celebrate women driving Africa’s digital economy and spotlight women-owned SMMEs shaping South Africa’s tech future.
Keynotes from Tashline Jooste of Innovator Trust and Martha Lamola of Vodacom Ventures will kick off the day, followed by panel discussions on AI in creative industries, SMME leadership, pan-African trade, and youth innovation.
The awards aim to foster mentorship, access, and representation, highlighting that Africa’s tech future is female-built.

Four schools in KwaZulu-Natal have been recognised in the 2025 Spear’s Schools Index among the best private schools globally.

The schools include Cordwalles Preparatory School, Hilton College, Michaelhouse, and St Anne’s Diocesan College.

The Index evaluates schools based on learner development and academic excellence, making it a key reference for international families.

These schools offer a mix of day and boarding options and are celebrated for their strong academic programmes and overall development opportunities for learners.

Egypt has become the 27th country worldwide to eliminate trachoma, a centuries-old cause of blindness, the World Health Organization announced.
The achievement follows two decades of national campaigns using surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements.
Surveys show a dramatic drop in trachoma among children, while adult blindness from the disease is nearly gone.
Deputy Health Minister Prof. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar called it a “triumph for health equity,” highlighting community outreach and initiatives like Haya Karima.
WHO praised Egypt’s collaboration with local and international partners as a model for other countries still battling the disease.
While trachoma is now under control in Egypt, it still affects millions globally, but this milestone offers hope that preventable blindness can be eradicated worldwide.