News Bulletin of 23 January 2026, 2pm

A Johannesburg-based women’s cycling initiative is drawing increasing interest, after growing from a small group into organised rides attracting up to 40 participants.
Girls on Bikes was founded by Karabo Mashele, who learned to ride a bicycle as an adult and later started the group to encourage more women to cycle in a structured and supportive environment.
The group now hosts twice-monthly rides through Braamfontein, Newtown and the city centre, with safety escorts and beginner cycling lessons also offered.
Organisers say the programme is aimed at improving access to cycling for women, with members last year completing the 947 Ride Joburg challenge for the first time.

An 18-year-old cyclist from England is undertaking a long-distance journey from the United Kingdom to New Zealand, to raise funds for South African-based charity Qhubeka.
George Malcolm plans to cover more than 25-thousand kilometres, with the challenge expected to take about a year and a half.
Qhubeka provides bicycles to people in underserved communities, aimed at improving access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
Malcolm says he has already encountered several mechanical and terrain-related challenges, but continues his journey with support from local cyclists and representatives from Qhubeka in the UK.

After more than five years, trains on the Vereeniging line south of Johannesburg are set to return. Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, or Prasa, has begun repairing tracks, overhead cables, and electricity substations, including work on a sinkhole between Midway and Lenasia stations that started earlier this month.
The restored service will reconnect communities in Sebokeng, Evaton, Lenasia, Lawley, Ennerdale, and Orange Farm, providing a reliable and affordable transport option for commuters into Johannesburg.
Residents say they are looking forward to the return of trains, which will make daily travel easier and reduce the costs of commuting.