News Bulletin of 24 April 2026, 7am

Headline 1
Free home-based care training programme in Alexandra
Story 1
A free home-based care training programme in Alexandra, Johannesburg, is helping reduce youth unemployment while strengthening caregiver services in vulnerable communities.
The initiative, led by Gift of Day in partnership with Sibongile Home Based Care, is in its second phase and provides an eight-week course that trains young people in home care nursing and community support.
More than 70 youths are already enrolled, with organisers working to expand the programme to over 100 participants.
Graduates are being prepared for opportunities in clinics, hospitals and care organisations, helping fill critical gaps in the health and social care sector.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Sober Fest is set for 26 April at the Soweto Theatre
Story 2
The inaugural Sober Fest is set for 26 April at the Soweto Theatre, offering a family-friendly space focused on wellness and mindful living.
The programme includes live music, comedy, a wellness market and activities for children, all aimed at promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
Founder Nomsa Mazwai created the event to give people a space to connect, enjoy music and art, and spend time together without alcohol at the centre:
*sound*
Story 2 category
Headline 3
De Rustica Olive Estate wins top prize at NOVA Awards in Spain
Story 3
De Rustica Olive Estate in the Western Cape has won first place at the inaugural NOVA Awards 2026 held in Spain.
The award recognises its Estate Collection Favolosa extra virgin olive oil, which was judged against international entries in a competition focused on new olive cultivars and production quality.
The jury evaluated aroma and taste profiles before naming the South African oil the overall winner.
The win comes as South Africa continues to expand its presence in the global olive oil industry despite producing far smaller volumes than leading producers such as Spain.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.62 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,702.04 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 77,600.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Ella Mai lands in SA
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Grammy-winning British singer Ella Mai has arrived in South Africa ahead of two scheduled performances this weekend.
She will perform at the Sun City Superbowl during Konka Kulture Weekend on 25 April and at the Grand Arena in GrandWest on 26 April.
The shows will include songs such as “Boo’d Up” and “Trip,” alongside music from her latest project DYSLM (Do You Still Love Me?).
She will be joined on stage by South African artists including Sjava, Nasty C, Zee Nxumalo, Uncle Waffles, Oscar Mbo and the Scorpion Kings.
Split analysis
Local: 164 words (64%), National: 0 words (0%), International: 92 words (36%)