News Bulletin of 19 September 2025, 4pm

South Africa will officially join the World Economic Forum’s global network of Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution with the launch of the South African Centre for Industry and Technology in Pretoria on 22 September.
Hosted by the University of Pretoria, the centre will focus on energy, materials, and advanced manufacturing to support industrial growth, job creation, and digital transformation.
It will also connect South Africa to global innovation hubs while fostering local collaboration across business, government, and academia.
The move positions South Africa as a key player in shaping future-ready industries and advancing Africa’s industrial transformation.

The Vapour Products Association of South Africa is tightening efforts to prevent young people from accessing vaping products.
The industry body enforces a strict code of conduct and runs campaigns to stop youth-targeted advertising.
A mystery shopper programme and the Challenge25 strategy are helping retailers check age more effectively.
Work is also under way with courier companies to ensure stronger ID checks for online sales.
These steps aim to safeguard youth while still supporting adult smokers with less harmful alternatives.

A rare and previously unknown portrait by Pablo Picasso has been unveiled in Paris.
The colourful oil painting titled Bust of a Woman With a Flowery Hat depicts Dora Maar, the artist’s muse and collaborator, and has never been seen outside Picasso’s studio during World War Two.
Painted in 1943, the work has remained in private hands for more than 80 years and is now being offered at auction with a reserve price of 8 million euros.
Art experts say its cheerful tones stand out from Picasso’s darker wartime pieces, making it an exceptional find.
The sale is expected to attract strong interest and adds to the excitement of renewed activity in the global art market.