News Bulletin of 24 December 2025, 1pm

The festive spirit was in full swing across Rand Aid retirement villages in December, with residents coming together to enjoy music, fellowship, and shared meals. At Thembalami Care Centre, residents were treated to a special carol singing visit last week. At Inyoni Creek retirement village, the Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden social group closed out the year with its traditional “Vlam en Vleis” bring-and-braai evening. Both celebrations highlighted the strong sense of community within the villages, as residents and staff came together to mark the festive season and bid farewell to 2025 in warmth and togetherness.

Zoo Lake Users Committee chairperson Fran Haslam has confirmed that 2025 has been another successful year, praising the community for its continued support and involvement. Haslam said several key projects were completed during the year.This includes the long-awaited capping of the stormwater drain on the northwest side of Zoo Lake. The project, which took nine years to complete, was made possible through generous community donations, with support from the Johannesburg Roads Agency and City Parks. Further planting around the upgraded area is set to begin in the new year.

Santa Cause for Paws has raised more than R1 million in sponsorships in 2025 to support 216 animal welfare organisations across South Africa.The registered NPC collects funds through Facebook sponsorships and website pledges. Welfare organisations can apply annually with verified needs and item lists. Each selected organisation receives a dedicated Facebook album, where supporters sponsor individual animals at R250 per sponsorship.The funds are pooled, and volunteers purchase essential supplies requested by each organisation before distribution at the end of the year.