News Bulletin of 22 May 2025, 3pm

A white rhino named Houdini is breathing freely again after a complex six-hour surgery performed by a specialist veterinary team from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science.
The four-year-old rhino, a survivor of a poaching attack, suffered a severe nasal blockage caused by an old gunshot wound.
Led by Professor Gerhard Steenkamp and supported by experts including Dr Elza Hollenbach and Dr Pierre Bester, the UP team used advanced surgical and anaesthetic techniques—some never before attempted on rhinos—to restore Houdini’s ability to breathe through his nose, critical for his survival.
Thanks to their groundbreaking work, Houdini is now recovering well and set to return home, marking a remarkable success for South African veterinary science and wildlife conservation.

In a big win for township education, Volkswagen Group Africa has launched the KwaNobuhle Maths and Science Centre at Solomon Mahlangu Secondary School in Kariega.
The R25-million initiative, in partnership with education NGO Kutlwanong, aims to uplift Grade 10 to 12 learners from nine local schools with extra tuition in maths and science through the ProMaths programme. Learners will also receive digital support via Jendamark’s Odin Education platform.
Kutlwanong CEO Tumelo Mabitsela says the centre is a “transformational opportunity” that will unlock futures, while VWGA’s Nonkqubela Maliza calls it an investment in the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.

Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 is set for June 3–4 at Cape Town's Century City Conference Centre. This premier event unites over 400 tech leaders, startups, and innovators to shape Africa's digital future.
Key themes include AI in healthcare, blockchain for financial inclusion, and smart agriculture. Notable speakers feature Communications Minister Solly Malatsi and Microsoft's Brad Smith.
A highlight is the Startup Pitching Den, where emerging ventures compete for top honors. Supported by Sentech and the City of Cape Town, the conference offers networking, live demos, and strategic discussions to drive the continent's tech evolution.