News Bulletin of 24 June 2026, 1pm

Headline 1
South Africans Rally to Fulfil Nine Year Old’s Bucket List in Hours
Story 1
Nine year old Zelnay Liebenberg from Brakpan, who is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, has had every wish on her bucket list fulfilled within hours after an overwhelming public response.
The list, shared through the charity Arms of Mercy, included simple experiences and family activities aimed at creating special memories after doctors confirmed no further treatment options were available. Members of the public quickly responded, arranging and donating experiences, gifts and outings for the young girl.
Zelnay’s journey has been followed by many after extended hospital treatment, and the rapid response has ensured her remaining time is filled with meaningful moments surrounded by family.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Agri Tech Expo Puts Youth Innovation in the Spotlight in Bloemfontein
Story 2
The Agri Tech Expo in Bloemfontein has brought young people in agriculture into focus under the theme empowering youth for inclusive economic growth through agriculture and innovation.
The event formed part of Youth Month activities and created a platform for emerging farmers, innovators and industry leaders to connect and share ideas.
It also showcased new agricultural technologies and encouraged young people to see farming as a viable path for entrepreneurship, skills development and job creation.
Department of Agriculture Acting DDG Lebogang Botsheleng outlines some of the programmes they haveimplemented.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
CIDB Urges Women in Construction Tech to Enter National Awards
Story 3
The Construction Industry Development Board is encouraging women working in digital construction and sustainable materials to enter its 2026 Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction Awards. It says the sector is still slow to adopt technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones, due to costs, skills gaps and resistance to change.

The board says more women are moving into leadership and technical roles and are helping drive innovation across the industry, with categories recognising digital innovation, mentoring and transformation. Entries close in July next year.
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, 21.90 to the British Pound, and 18.86 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,064.69 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 77.08 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 62,464.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
EU Backing Major Shift Away from Fossil Fuel Industrial Heat
Teaser / Tailpiece story
The European Union is moving to cut industrial emissions by funding new ways to produce heat without fossil fuels.
Through a €400 million grant programme, the European Commission has selected 65 projects across 10 countries focused on cleaner technologies such as geothermal systems, plasma, solar concentration, magnets and advanced heat pumps.
The aim is to reduce reliance on gas and lower emissions from heavy industries including steel, textiles and pharmaceuticals, while improving energy efficiency across the region.
(This is good news because it accelerates cleaner industrial energy solutions and reduces carbon emissions.)
Split analysis
Local: 104 words (37%), National: 174 words (63%), International: 0 words (0%)