News Bulletin of 20 September 2026, 8am

GovTech 2026 is taking place from this month from tommorow to the 23 September in Durban. This marks the 20th anniversary of the country’s largest gathering of public-sector technology leaders. Organised by the State Information Technology Agency, the event brings government and industry together to explore how technology can improve services for citizens. This year’s programme focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, cybersecurity, data systems, infrastructure and connectivity. The aim is to link these technologies to practical outcomes, including more accessible and efficient digital services for the public.

Crawford Fourways learners Savara Sewkuran and Kiyan Kanjee have qualified for the World Robot Olympiad National Finals. This comes after winning a silver award at the regional competition at Curro Aurora. Their coach encouraged them to take part in an in-house competition at the school last year, before they progressed to the regional event. The pair programmed their robot to navigate a board, complete different challenges and collect as many points as possible, finishing in second place. They prepared for weeks, including extra practice sessions during the school holidays. Savara says the hard work paid off, giving the learners a place in the national finals.

Learners and teachers from Herman High School are helping turn Hermanus pink in support of local cancer patients.The school has joined Overstrand Hospice’s annual Pink Trees for Pauline campaign, cutting and preparing hundreds of metres of pink fabric to wrap around trees across the community. Residents, businesses and public spaces are also being encouraged to take part by buying pink fabric and decorating a tree of their own.
Every metre sold by the hospice helps fund vital support for cancer patients and their families, including home nursing, counselling, transport, food parcels, toiletries and wheelchairs.