News Bulletin of 23 May 2026, 9am

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Africa Rising Music Conference returns to Johannesburg
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The Africa Rising Music Conference returns to Constitution Hill in Johannesburg this weekend, bringing together artists, music executives, policymakers, brands and cultural leaders from across Africa and the world.

As one of the continent’s leading music and creative industry gatherings, the event continues to drive conversations around the future of African music through innovation, collaboration and cultural exchange.

This year’s programme will feature conference sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, music technology showcases and live performances over two nights, designed to strengthen connections across the industry.

The programme will place a spotlight on the rapid growth and cultural relevance of regional African genres.
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Cape Town, Zimbabwe and Namibia unite to boost tourism
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A new tourism partnership between Cape Town, Zimbabwe and Namibia is set to strengthen regional travel and position Southern Africa as a more competitive global tourism destination.

Cape Town Tourism says the strategic agreement aims to boost regional collaboration through joint marketing efforts and improved cross-border travel experiences for international visitors.

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, James Vos, says the initiative is designed to encourage longer visitor stays and increased tourism spending through multi-country travel packages and shared digital campaigns.
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WeSolve4x clears millions in student debt
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The Non-profit organisation WeSolve4x has helped change the lives of 175 graduates by settling student debt through its Ntofo Ntofo Student Debt Stokvel initiative.

Founder Tsietsi Ngobese says the organisation has paid more than R2.8 million in student debt since 2021, creating opportunities for graduates to move forward with their careers without the burden of outstanding fees.

The initiative is largely funded through the sale of Ntofo Ntofo toilet paper, a socially driven product where every purchase contributes towards reducing student debt. The organisation is encouraging public support through in-store and online purchases.
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FoodForward SA receives R166,000 community impact grant
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The Starbucks Foundation has awarded FoodForward SA a R166,000 grant as part of the Global Community Impact Grants programme.

FoodForward SA's Food Gardens Connect programme teaches unemployed people to grow food, supplies equipment and seedlings, provides hands-on mentoring and guarantees harvest buy-back, creating stable income and greater resilience for underserved communities.

Food Forward SA's Andy Duplessis says the
programme supports nonprofit organisations that are driving programmes that create meaningful local or regional impact, expanding on the company's ambition to contribute positively to communities.

The Starbucks Foundation and licensee partners have awarded more than $14m in Global Community Impact Grants to more than 200 nonprofit organisations across more than 60 markets, since its establishment in 2022.
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