News Bulletin of 20 February 2026, 1pm

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has officially opened a newly renovated Transplant Intensive Care Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.
The upgraded Area 561 facility, supported by the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, will serve more than 200 patients currently waiting for kidney transplants, while also strengthening plans to establish a sustainable public-sector liver transplant programme in Gauteng.
Officials say the dedicated ICU will improve post-operative care and reduce reliance on private hospitals for life-saving organ transplants.

Volunteers in Hermanus joined forces yesterday to restore the Rotary View area, clearing streets and stormwater drains clogged with trash after heavy rains.
The clean-up involved the Marine Coastal Conservation, Overstrand Mayor Archie Klaas, Hermanus Public Protection, Hermanus Business Chamber, Rotary International, and local residents. In just one hour, fast food packaging, broken glass, cigarette butts, and plastic were removed from the popular tourist and whale-watching site.
Organizers thanked community members and supporters, including Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages and Plastics|SA, for helping protect Hermanus’ marine and fynbos environment.

Entrepreneurs in Cape Town’s CBD are reporting record levels of business confidence, with 97.8% expressing optimism in the final quarter of 2025.
The latest survey by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District shows 86.2% of 297 businesses saw improved trading conditions over the past year, while nearly 87% expect growth in 2026.
CEO Tasso Evangelinos says the results reflect resilience and innovation in the inner city. Business owners like Colette MacLennan of The General Store and Richard Lemkus of Lemkus say they are expanding and investing in new offerings.