News Bulletin of 24 December 2025, 5pm

Roosevelt High School opened its grounds on December 22 to the Suburban Control Centre for firefighter training.The exercise reflects the school’s commitment to building strong relationships with its stakeholders, showing the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility within the community.The school praised the trainees’ commitment, courage, and dedication to safety, noting that their work under challenging and dangerous conditions did not go unnoticed.

The Rosebank Homeless Association’s success in 2025 is thanks to strong community partnerships. Chair of the organization Tessa Weakley highlighted the help of the Rosebank Management District, Hyprop, Africrest, local churches, SAPS, businesses, Kingsmead College, Wits research, The Zone, and the wider community. The organization is grateful for their Community Collection Box, which provides donated clothes and blankets to keep people warm and clothed. Weakley says the organisation will continue to help where they can, as will the churches, businesses and members of the public.

What began as a simple idea in the UK to get people talking has now reached South Africa. Alex Hoskyn, The Chatty Café Scheme's founder, got the idea while sitting in a café with his four-month-old son. Noticing others around him who seemed isolated he realised the power of a simple conversation. Today, there are over 900 participating spots in the UK, one in Greece, and now one in Cape Town. These spaces host special “chatty” meet-ups where anyone can drop in to share a few minutes of friendly conversation or stay longer for a deeper chat. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, making connection and kindness the focus.