News Bulletin of 21 October 2025, 2pm

Learners at Queenswood Primary got an up-close look at the work of emergency services during a community safety awareness day on October 17.
SAPS Villieria joined local security, rescue, and trauma response teams to teach children about safety, teamwork, and the vital roles of community responders.
Students enjoyed demonstrations from mounted police units, K9 teams, fire trucks, and paramedics. They even dressed up as little emergency heroes, helping them feel part of the safety effort.
Mon Ami Trauma Troops provided emotional support and shared how their team helps residents cope with traumatic events.
The event gave children insight into how police, security, paramedics, and other emergency personnel work together to protect the community.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme says it is ready for the 2026 academic year with a new digital and biometric application process.
The scheme says the system is faster, more secure, and designed to prevent fraud while improving efficiency.
So far, more than 420,000 applications have been received ahead of the 15 November deadline.
NSFAS says its focus is on sustainability, transparency, and ensuring that all qualifying students can access funding to further their studies.

Pretoria-based Wim van den Heever has won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year award for his striking image taken in Namibia’s ghost town of Kolmanskop.
His photograph, titled “Ghost Town Visitor,” shows a rare brown hyena moving through sand-filled ruins and earned him both the Urban Wildlife category and the overall Grand Title.
Van den Heever spent a decade preparing for the shot, using camera traps and careful observation to capture the elusive nocturnal animal.
The award highlights not only his dedication but also draws attention to one of Africa’s rarest species, with only an estimated 4,000 to 10,000 brown hyenas remaining in the wild.