News Bulletin of 21 October 2026, 5pm

The Shoprite Group has opened entries for the second Act For Change Food Garden Competition, with five community gardens set to share R1 million in support.
The competition assesses gardens on food security, skills development and community impact, with winners eligible for training, resources and infrastructure upgrades. Last year, nearly 600 entries were received, and winning gardens used the support to improve irrigation, protect crops and create employment for local youth.
Entries close on 15 November 2026, with winners to be announced before April 2027. Applicants must represent a community food garden, and entry is free.

Coega Steels has opened a R500 million rolling mill in Gqeberha, with the investment expected to create 300 direct jobs and a further 300 indirect jobs in the Eastern Cape.
The facility, located in the Coega Special Economic Zone, can produce up to 150,000 tonnes of finished steel products annually for construction, manufacturing and infrastructure projects. It processes recycled scrap metal into products such as reinforcing bars, helping strengthen local steel production.
The investment forms part of the company’s expansion into a R1.5 billion green steel complex.
Coega Steel Director Amit Saini Coega Steels says they aim to recruit around 80% of its workforce locally and develop workers’ skills to support future projects.

The Pierre Cardin Young Designers Award is being held in South Africa for the first time, giving emerging fashion designers a chance to win a three-month internship at the fashion house’s studio in Paris.
The prize includes return flights, accommodation, a meal stipend, an internship salary and mentorship from the studio’s design team. The winner will be announced at The Forum Hyde Park in Johannesburg today, 21 October.
The competition is part of South African Fashion Week and includes mentorship from Pierre Cardin’s Paris design team.