Headline 1
SA Researchers Develop Smart Robotic Wheelchair
Story 1
South African researchers have developed a smart robotic wheelchair that can detect obstacles, map its surroundings and navigate its environment, helping improve mobility for people living with disabilities.
The innovation, called Motsamai, was developed by a team at the Central University of Technology in the Free State, led by Professor Markus Elisha.
The wheelchair combines artificial intelligence, remote-control functions and smart navigation technology, and can also be used for creative activities such as dance.
Motsamai secured second place at the 2026 I-R-O-S Volting Cup Wheelchair Dance Competition in United States, showcasing South African engineering on the international stage.
The innovation, called Motsamai, was developed by a team at the Central University of Technology in the Free State, led by Professor Markus Elisha.
The wheelchair combines artificial intelligence, remote-control functions and smart navigation technology, and can also be used for creative activities such as dance.
Motsamai secured second place at the 2026 I-R-O-S Volting Cup Wheelchair Dance Competition in United States, showcasing South African engineering on the international stage.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Limpopo Entrepreneur Develops WhatsApp AI Tutor
Story 2
Limpopo entrepreneur Tshaamano Mabuba has developed BuddyAI, a WhatsApp-based artificial intelligence tutor aimed at making quality learning support more accessible to schoolchildren.
The platform offers curriculum-aligned tutoring to learners from Grade One to Twelve, including multilingual assistance, exam preparation, practice quizzes and instant feedback.
BuddyAI received third prize in the S-A-B Foundation’s 2026 Social Innovation Awards, recognising its potential to help address educational inequality.
Mabuba developed the platform after identifying the need for affordable tutoring, particularly for learners who cannot afford private lessons or struggle to access academic support in their home languages.
The platform offers curriculum-aligned tutoring to learners from Grade One to Twelve, including multilingual assistance, exam preparation, practice quizzes and instant feedback.
BuddyAI received third prize in the S-A-B Foundation’s 2026 Social Innovation Awards, recognising its potential to help address educational inequality.
Mabuba developed the platform after identifying the need for affordable tutoring, particularly for learners who cannot afford private lessons or struggle to access academic support in their home languages.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Soweto Panthers Earn Africa League Qualifier Spot
Story 3
Soweto Panthers will represent South Africa in the 2027 Basketball Africa League qualifiers after winning the Basketball National League title.
The team beat the Western Cape Mountaineers 74 points to 70 in the final, completing an unbeaten season.
The victory gives the Soweto club a chance to compete against top teams from across Africa and move closer to qualifying for the Basketball Africa League.
Soweto Panthers spokesperson Sicelo Dzingwa:
sound
The team beat the Western Cape Mountaineers 74 points to 70 in the final, completing an unbeaten season.
The victory gives the Soweto club a chance to compete against top teams from across Africa and move closer to qualifying for the Basketball Africa League.
Soweto Panthers spokesperson Sicelo Dzingwa:
sound
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:
The Rand is trading at 16.42 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.
Gold is trading at 4,179.63 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 81,358.00.
The Rand is trading at 16.42 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.
Gold is trading at 4,179.63 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 81,358.00.
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