News Bulletin of 23 August 2026, 1pm

Businesswoman Turns Focus To Giving Back
Supporting children, families and communities has become a major part of Elna Els’ life since she left the corporate sector in 2016. After 20 years managing learning and development across Africa, Els started a software company with her husband. As the business grew, she began spending more time understanding and responding to the needs of communities around her. Her community work includes Donald Gordon Kids Oncology, Fred and Martie Soup Kitchen, Wings of Inspiration, Simunye Crèche and Cupcakes of Hope. She has supported Cupcakes of Hope for more than a decade through hospital visits, fundraising and coordinating mall campaigns across the country. Elna continues to build connections between community needs, organisations and people willing to help.


Sandton and Gauteng
South African Mint Celebrates Martial Eagle
The South African Mint has released the 2026 Martial Eagle coin, the second edition in its seven-coin *Odyssey of the Sky* series.The collection celebrates one of Africa’s powerful birds of prey, highlighting its strength and precision. Struck in 24-carat gold and fine silver, the coins feature detailed designs inspired by the eagle and include a signature African pattern representing the connection between people and nature.The release also showcases South African minting skills and the country’s appreciation of African wildlife.

South Africa
Comrades Marathon Sets 2027 Record
The Comrades Marathon Association has launched the 2027 centenary race, increasing the entry cap to a record 28,000 runners.The race will take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, with the finish moved to the Kings Park precinct.Entry fees will remain unchanged, with entries opening on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. The 2027 race will mark the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon and the 50th Down Run. CMA Chairperson Mark Leathers:

South Africa
Financial Indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.00 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,608.22 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 76,817.00.
Scientists Recreate 1860s Guinness
Scientists are studying a 162-year-old bottle of Guinness recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of Dover, England.The bottle dates back to 1864 and was found by Belgian underwater photographer Stefan Panis. Researchers are analysing its contents to see if they can recover enough DNA from the historic beer to recreate the original stout.Panis found the bottle buried beneath the seabed while diving. It wasn’t until they surfaced and rinsed it off that the Guinness branding became visible. Panis believes the bottle was part of a full case of 24, with many more potentially still hidden beneath the surrounding sand.
The discovery is helping scientists explore a piece of brewing history and could allow people to experience the taste of a beer brewed more than 160 years ago.
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