News Bulletin of 21 December 2025, 11am

Joburg Festival of Lights
Johannesburg residents can enjoy the city's annual Festival of Lights every Thursday to Sunday from 7pm to 10 pm at the Joburg Zoo.The annual showcase features thousands of dazzling lights, life-size illuminated animal displays and exciting entertainment, offering families a magical night-time experience and a standout holiday attraction. Spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Jenny Moodley says the Festival will continue until the 4th of January 2026

Sandton and Gauteng
Joburg Bans Street Parties
The City of Johannesburg has issued a firm warning ahead of the festive season tha street bashes and unregulated outdoor parties will not be allowed anywhere in the metro. Authorities say the blanket ban is in place for the entire holiday period. Law enforcement teams have been instructed to close down any non-compliant events immediately. According to the city’s MMC for Safety and Security Mcini Tshwakoh, the clampdown is aimed at curbing public disorder, noise disruptions, crime, and safety risks. Officials added that the city wants residents to enjoy the festive season responsibly, but within the confines of the law.

Sandton and Gauteng
SA Creators Get a Taste of AI’s Future
Africa’s first Digital Twin and AI Creator Enablement Workshop recently took place in Woodmead. The event brought together over 20 award-winning South African digital creators with a combined reach of more than 15 million followers. The session introduced creators to AI-powered digital versions of themselves. This helped them scale content, streamline their work, and explore new ways to earn—without losing what makes them authentic. The workshop marked a big step forward for Africa’s creative economy.
South Africa
Financial Indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.76 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,339.47 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 88,547.00.
McKinney’s Grandma Stand
Volunteer grandmothers in McKinney, Texas are running a pop-up “Grandma Stand” where anyone can sit and talk with an elder. The initiative offers people the chance to share personal challenges or seek advice on parenting, relationships, and other life matters.
The stand was inspired by a similar concept in New York City, where a reporter’s grandmother provided weekly chats that helped people feel heard. The McKinney project rotates volunteers through the booth and has become a space for connection in an increasingly digital world. Organisers say the initiative may expand to other U.S. cities and even Canada.

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