News Bulletin of 24 May 2026, 10am

Five container-based libraries in Alexandra, Gauteng are giving primary school learners daily access to reading spaces in communities. National studies show many Grade 4 pupils struggle with reading for meaning.The libraries, set up by Breadline Africa, operate in five schools and support thousands of learners each week. Teachers and parents help run reading sessions, book lending, and literacy activities. At schools such as Skeen Primary, learners are using these spaces to build stronger reading skills, with some progressing to scholarships. Despite challenges like limited book supplies and multiple home languages, the consistent use of the libraries is helping strengthen early literacy in the area.

The Johannesburg Tennis Grassroots Foundation is restoring activity at the Ellis Park tennis courts. The foundation is transforming an unused facility into a space for youth sport and development.Founded by former teacher Alec Galanakis, the programme offers free tennis sessions for children from nearby schools, along with mentorship and basic life skills support. More than 140 young people have already taken part, and the courts are also being used again by university students for training. Organisers say the goal is to keep the facility active and create more opportunities for young people in the area.

South Africa has won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show in London. This was from a garden inspired by regeneration after wildfires in the Fynbos biome. Led by designer Leon Kluge, the exhibit used burnt protea structures, indigenous plants, and flowing water features to show how nature recovers and rebuilds after fire. Despite heavy rain in the Western Cape and flight disruptions that nearly delayed the shipment of plants, the team still managed to complete the display in time. The garden will now be recreated in Stanford, Western Cape in September.