News Bulletin of 25 January 2026, 5pm

Headline 1
Joburg Ombudsman Hosts Outreach for Randburg Residents
Story 1
Residents in Region B will have the chance to raise service delivery concerns directly with the City of Johannesburg Ombudsman.
Two events are planned in Randburg this February. A citizen information clinic will be held on February 5 at the Ferndale Recreation Centre, guiding residents on their rights and how to lodge complaints.
An open day at the Randburg Civic Centre on February 7 will bring multiple city departments together, allowing issues to be addressed on the spot.
Attendees are urged to bring a valid ID, proof of residence, and municipal accounts. Support will be available for billing queries, updates on existing complaints, and registering new issues.
The outreach aims to strengthen the connection between the city and its residents, helping communities get the services they need.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Blue Downs Athletics Stadium reopens after R30 million upgrade
Story 2
Blue Downs athletes and schools can now use a fully refurbished athletics stadium following a R30 million upgrade by the City of Cape Town.
The improvements include a new tartan track, upgraded field-event areas, a re-grassed oval, and enhanced grandstands.
The venue will host training, inter-school competitions, and larger athletics events, giving young athletes the chance to reach their full potential.

Story 2 category
Headline 3
Diepkloof community unites for clothing drive and mentorship
Story 3
A group of Diepkloof residents came together to restore dignity and support their neighbours during a community clothing drive on January 24.
Organised by African Child at Work, locals received pre-loved clothes and free haircuts, boosting confidence and self-worth. The event also launched Raising Valued Men Africa, a platform
supporting mentorship and character development for boys and young men.
Organisers say the initiative is about more than material support – it’s about fostering Ubuntu and showing the power of communities working together
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 15.91 to the US Dollar, 21.91 to the British Pound, and 19.02 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,266.08 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 67.57 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 90,056.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Man donates field to create community orchard in France
Teaser / Tailpiece story
A local man in Western France has donated a large, unused field to his childhood town so it can be turned into a community orchard and garden.
Michel Éprinchard offered the land on the condition it would be shared by the whole community. The project, which began last year, already has 50 fruit trees planted, including apples, pears, and plums, with another 50 trees, flower beds, and hedges planned for this year.
Mayor Étienne Fouché says the orchard will be cared for so residents can pick fruit, make jam, and enjoy the space together.
The initiative aims to bring the community together and give the land a shared, meaningful purpose.
Split analysis
Local: 206 words (77%), National: 61 words (23%), International: 0 words (0%)