News Bulletin of 20 May 2026, 5pm

Headline 1
Soweto learners explore owl conservation through hands-on programme
Story 1
Learners from Soweto schools have taken part in a live barn owl ringing and release programme at Woodlands Office Park in Sandton as part of an environmental education initiative by OwlProject.org.

The session forms part of the Owl Conservation Club, which teaches children about biodiversity, wildlife protection and environmental responsibility through practical learning experiences.

Three young barn owls, rescued from Cosmo City, were ringed and are being cared for before their release back into the wild.
Organisers say the programme helps learners gain real conservation experience while challenging common myths and fears about owls in their communities
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Good Samaritan steps in to help child headed family in Mthatha
Story 2
A six year old boy from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape who has been caring for his blind grandmother, mentally ill mother and younger sibling has received urgent support from a Good Samaritan initiative.
The family, who were living in extremely poor conditions, were visited after their situation was highlighted in a media report earlier this week.
The Chippa Mpengesi Foundation has now stepped in and pledged to build a house for the family in a move aimed at improving their living conditions and restoring dignity.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Florida Lake run and walk promotes mental health awareness
Story 3
The Infiniti Mlezi Foundation will host a run and walk event at Florida Lake in Johannesburg this weekend focused on mental health awareness, healing and community support.

The event, themed Your story is not over, will include 3 kilometre and 8 kilometre routes alongside wellness activities such as yoga, aerobics and mental health talks.

It is being held in memory of author Tshidiso Moletsane and aims to create safe spaces for people facing mental health challenges, especially men and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Organisers say the initiative is about encouraging open conversations around mental health and promoting hope, healing and resilience in the community.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.61 to the US Dollar, 22.25 to the British Pound, and 19.26 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,487.15 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 111.28 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 77,048.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
University of the Free State builds own 3D concrete printer, saving millions
Teaser / Tailpiece story
The University of the Free State’s Green Concrete Lab has developed and built a large scale concrete 3D printer entirely in South Africa, using locally designed hardware, software and systems.
The machine prints specialised concrete layer by layer to create complex structures with high precision, while reducing material waste compared to traditional construction methods.

Researchers say the project supports work in sustainable building, wastewater treatment and infrastructure development, while also involving students in hands on training in digital construction technologies.
The university estimates it saved around R6 million by building the system in house instead of importing it.
Split analysis
Local: 198 words (70%), National: 86 words (30%), International: 0 words (0%)