News Bulletin of 23 May 2025, 9am

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has outlined key development strides, highlighting economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure upgrades. The recent Gauteng Investment Conference secured over R320 billion in pledges, marking a major milestone for the province’s economy. To tackle youth unemployment, Lesufi confirmed the June 2025 relaunch of the iCrush no 'Lova Jobs and Skills Programme. In partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour, the initiative aims to provide skills training and job placements for 40,000 young people over the next three years.

A security officer at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape had always dreamed of studying further and working in politics and international relations. Bulelani Thompson studied at the university 20 years ago but had to drop out due to financial constraints. In 2021 with support from his partner, Bulelani decided to enrol again and was accepted at UFH’s Bisho campus, reopening a long-closed door. Balancing work and studies Thompson managed to complete his undergraduate degree. In 2024, he earned his Honours in Political Science, graduating at the age of 44. He is now pursuing a Master’s degree, with the ultimate goal of working in international relations.

A New York park is celebrating one of the city's most iconic animals next month with Pigeon Fest, a day-long event featuring art exhibitions, science demonstrations, a panel on urban ecology and bird conservation. The festival will also have and the city's first Pigeon Impersonation Pageant. The High Line, an elevated park on the West Side of Manhattan, announced Pigeon Fest will coincide with National Pigeon Appreciation Day on June 14th.The park's website said the event is partially inspired by Dinosaur, artist Iván Argote's 17-foot-tall aluminum pigeon sculpture that resides at the park.