News Bulletin of 22 January 2026, 8am

Headline 1
Astro Kids gear up for school
Story 1
The Astro Kids and Adult Organisation organised a back-to-school drive at Wisani Primary School in Pimville.
On Friday the foundation distributed stationery and covered books for learners to prepare them for the new academic year.
Donor Ndalamo Ramovha provided the resources to ensure children had the materials they needed.
At the same time, Deputy Principal Hlamalani Macevele says the support was important for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them engage fully in their studies.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
SA author wins L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest
Story 2
South African author Dorothy de Kok has won the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest and will have her story published in Writers of the Future Volume 42.
She will travel to Hollywood for a masterclass and the awards event on 16 April 2026.
Dorothy drew on her experience as a teacher, editor, and community worker to craft the winning story, Thickly.
The contest supports aspiring writers worldwide and has launched the careers of many, highlighting Dorothy’s achievement on the global stage.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Springbok Women to host USA Women’s Eagles in July
Story 3
The Springbok Women will host the USA Women’s Eagles for the first time in a 2-match Test series in Johannesburg and Pretoria in July.
The matches will open the day’s programme as South Africa begins its Nations Championship campaign.
The Bok Women will then host New Zealand’s Black Ferns in September.
Head coach Swys de Bruin says their objective is to play as many top-ten teams as possible in the new World Cup cycle.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.25 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,864.99 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 89,859.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Paddington The Musical
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Paddington The Musical has opened at a theater in London, bringing the story of the marmalade-loving bear to the West End for the first time.
The show follows Paddington, a young bear from Peru, who is taken in by the Brown family and learns about family, kindness, and acceptance.
The musical runs until 14 February 2027.
Director Luke Sheppard speaks on the success of the show:
*sound*
Split analysis
Local: 74 words (32%), National: 0 words (0%), International: 159 words (68%)