News Bulletin of 23 January 2026, 4pm

Headline 1
Alexandra Aftercare Alumni Launch Chess Club to Empower Youth
Story 1
A former student of the Union of Jewish Women’s Alexandra Aftercare has returned to the organisation to launch and coach the Alexandra Aftercare Chess Club.
Thando Myakayaka, now studying for a Bachelor of Commerce, teaches young learners the fundamentals of chess, from basic moves to advanced strategies.
The club aims to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and mentorship, while providing a supportive environment for participants.
Organisers say the initiative is already helping children gain confidence and skills, with plans for tournaments to further their development.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Reach For A Dream grants Eastern Cape boy’s superhero wish
Story 2
Reach For A Dream has made the day of Olwethu, a young boy from Motherwell battling a life-threatening illness. Olwethu’s greatest wish was to meet his favourite superhero, Captain America, and to receive a set of superhero toys.
The organisation collected Olwethu and his family from their home before taking him to Toys R Us, where Captain America greeted him with a smile, a hug, and his iconic shield. Olwethu spent the day playing, including a sword fight, exploring the store, and receiving a collection of toys.
He proudly wore his own Captain America costume throughout the day.
Reach For A Dream says fulfilling these dreams provides children with hope, joy, and a sense of freedom outside the hospital.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
“Marabi” musical returns to The Market Theatre
Story 3
Johannesburg’s Market Theatre has revived the musical Marabi as part of its 50th anniversary programme. The production opened on 19 January 2026 and runs until 15 February 2026.
Adapted from Modikwe Dikobe’s book Marabi Dance and directed by Arthur Molepo, the musical tells the story of a family of first-generation black migrants in 1930s Doornfontein, highlighting the challenges of city life and social change.
The production incorporates marabi music, a style that emerged in Johannesburg’s townships, reflecting the cultural and social context of the period.
The revival is noted for its role in preserving South Africa’s musical theatre heritage and documenting the experiences of early urban communities. Cast members Josias Dos Moleele explains.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.14 to the US Dollar, 21.84 to the British Pound, and 18.95 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,944.77 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 64.06 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 89,152.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Soft exoskeleton shirt offers mobility for those with muscle conditions
Teaser / Tailpiece story
South Korean engineers have developed a soft, shirt-like exoskeleton designed to help people with degenerative muscle conditions regain mobility and independence.
Weighing less than 1 kilogram and costing far less than traditional motor-driven exoskeletons, the wearable uses threads made of shape memory alloy to mimic muscle movement, reducing strain on the wearer’s arms by up to 57 percent.
Fifteen-year-old Myung Ha-yul, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, participated in trials and said the shirt allowed him to lift his arms with much less effort.
Experts say the innovation is a breakthrough because patients can put it on and take it off like clothing while receiving active support for basic daily movements.
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