News Bulletin of 2 February 2026, 1pm

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Cape Flats Book Festival marked five years of storytelling in Mitchells Plain
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The Cape Flats Book Festival marked its fifth anniversary this weekend, bringing writers, poets and book lovers together in Mitchells Plain.
The two-day event created a platform for local voices to share their stories and promote literacy in the community.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie says the festival goes beyond traditional authors, welcoming readers, educators and young people, and helping them see themselves reflected in books.
Organisers say the event continues to encourage a culture of reading while recognising local talent.
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Market Theatre marks 50 years of storytelling in Johannesburg
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Johannesburg’s iconic Market Theatre has marked 50 years of productions that helped shape South Africa’s cultural and political story.
Often called the “theatre of the struggle”, the venue has staged bold and socially conscious work since the 1970s.
Chief Operating Officer Lekgetho Makola says the focus now is not only on its legacy, but on expanding access, supporting new voices and reimagining theatre as a space rooted in the community. *sound*
Anniversary plans include student productions, international collaborations and refreshed versions of classic works from the theatre’s archive.
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Cluny Animal Trust Brings Free Care to Township Pets
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The Cluny Animal Trust is taking pet care straight into township communities in the Free State.
Through its new Door-to-Door campaign, members visit homes in Kgubetswana, Clarens, Mashaeng, and Fouriesburg to check on animals and provide care for free.
Visits include checking pets, giving advice to owners, and offering vaccinations or treatments that owners can choose to pay for if they want.
The Trust says the initiative ensures no pet is left behind, giving animals the attention, love, and protection they deserve while helping build stronger, caring communities.
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Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.05 to the US Dollar, 22.00 to the British Pound, and 19.04 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,716.49 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 69.32 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 77,496.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Fela Kuti becomes first African artist to receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Nigeria’s Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti has been posthumously honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to receive the recognition.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Los Angeles this weekend, nearly three decades after his death.
Fela created Afrobeat in the 1970s, blending jazz, funk and traditional African rhythms, a sound that later helped shape modern Afrobeats and influenced global stars including Beyoncé and Paul McCartney.
His family says the honour celebrates not only his legacy, but African music as a whole.
Split analysis
Local: 83 words (32%), National: 178 words (68%), International: 0 words (0%)