News Bulletin of 25 January 2026, 11am

In a heartwarming story of resilience, 18-year-old Luke Armien from Mitchells Plain turned his car-washing hustle into a life-changing opportunity. This came after plans to fund his University of the Western Cape registration went viral. After the National Student Financial Aid Scheme declined to cover his first-year fees, Luke, who excelled in matric with five distinctions and an 80% aggregate, started washing cars to raise money. His determination and community support ultimately transformed his dream of higher education into reality.

Nearly 50 years after Steve Biko advocated for a more human South Africa, his granddaughter Bukelwa “Buki” Biko is shaping her own legacy. Through leadership and purpose Buki completed her matric at St Stithians Girls’ College with four distinctions.Buki drew on the African philosophy of *Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu* a Zulu proverb that translates to "a person is a person through other people". She used dramatic arts to explore identity, history, and social responsibility, emphasizing that leadership must be lived every day.
It’s inspiring because it shows a young leader carrying forward her family’s legacy while excelling academically and socially, setting an example for her generation.

A 12-year-old learner from Olivedale returned home with new skills and confidence after representing South Africa in an international judo championship in foo koo ohka, Japan. Saige Johnston of Sagan Academy was one of only five girls nationally selected. She trained twice daily, learned techniques from global opponents, and said the experience boosted her confidence. Johnston hopes to compete internationally again, earn her black belt, and run her own judo classes.