News Bulletin of 23 August 2026, 11am

Michael Mount’s U19 boys’ volleyball team has secured fourth place at the Mahikeng Tournament.The three-day tournament saw the team reach the semi-finals for the first time, after previously being knocked out in the quarter-finals. Captain Erva King described the result as a major step forward, saying the players performed well and showed stronger teamwork.He said the team felt more united this year, with players supporting one another on and off the court.

The Kaleidoscope Music and Arts Festival is bringing world-class music and young talent together in Prince Albert i the weatern cape from 21 to the 23 August.More than 250 young musicians are taking part in concerts, workshops and collaborations with acclaimed South African and international artists. The ARCO-PACT Strings Project gives more than 100 children in Prince Albert schools lessons in violin, viola, cello and double bass.nFor many, it is their first chance to learn an instrument and perform with professional musicians. The programme is also helping children build confidence, teamwork and stronger connections with their peers.

CapeNature has honoured firefighters who worked on the frontlines during the Western Cape’s recent fire season. An appreciation event was held this month to recognise their efforts to protect communities, infrastructure and the province’s biodiversity.CapeNature also thanked organisations that supported wildfire response efforts. CapeNature responded to 107 wildfires during the 2025/26 fire season, which burned more than 215,000 hectares across the Western Cape.The Cederberg also experienced its largest wildfire since 1997, affecting about 53,000 hectares.