News Bulletin of 24 September 2026, 8am

Johannesburg named finalist in World Green City Awards
The City of Johannesburg has been named a Highly Commended Finalist in the Living Green for Health and Wellbeing category, at the International Association of Horticultural Producers World Green City Awards.

The city’s Greening the City initiative, which is led by the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, is among three international finalists.
Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew says the programme addresses historic inequalities in access to green spaces, while highlighting the need to protect the ageing tree canopy and build healthier, climate-resilient communities.
Sandton and Gauteng
Cape Town public pools extend access for school holidays
Cape Town’s public swimming pools will be open daily during the September school holidays, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the municipal facilities.
The pools will operate from 10am to 5pm each day from the 23rd of September.

Mayoral committee member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says the Westridge, Bellville Central, Mnandi, Athlone and Vulindela swimming pools will remain closed for essential maintenance.
South Africa
Cape Town to host World Robot Olympiad final in 2028
Cape Town will host the World Robot Olympiad International Final in 2028, bringing one of the world’s largest youth robotics competitions to Africa for the first time.

The global event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre during the second week of December 2028, with top teams qualifying through World Robot Olympiad competitions around the world.
Participation in WRO South Africa has grown from 40 teams when the national competition launched in 2010 to approximately 1 800 teams in 2025.

The 2025 international final in Singapore
Attracted over 500 teams from 91 countries.
South Africa
Financial Indicators
Rifumo Mathebula’s conservation work earns global recognition
South African conservation photographer Rifumo Mathebula has been selected for the Obama Foundation's 2026 African Leaders cohort.
The non-profit organisation Wild Shots Outreach announced Mathebula’s selection, describing the recognition as an acknowledgement of his work, where he uses photography and conservation to create opportunities for young people.
The organisation, which was founded in 2015, uses photography workshops, conservation, mentorship and practical skills development to introduce young people from disadvantaged communities, to wildlife, creating potential pathways into careers in conservation, tourism and the creative industries.

The Obama Foundation’s African Leaders programme brings together emerging leaders from across the continent and provides leadership development, networking and collaboration opportunities.
Mathebula has also contributed to programmes and partnerships beyond South Africa, including work in Botswana and Namibia.
Local: 83 words (35%), National: 155 words (65%), International: 0 words (0%)