News Bulletin of 25 January 2026, 7am

Oxford University Press Southern Africa and AVBOB are preparing to expand the Road to Literacy Campaign in 2026. After more than 430 Gauteng schools benefited from Road to Literacy in 2025, including 120 in Johannesburg, the campaign is back and inviting communities to help make an even bigger impact. This year the initiative is doubling its reach to 2 000 trolley libraries. This is equivalent to one million CAPS-aligned books in all 11 official languages for under-resourced schools nationwide.

Grade 11 learner Katie Cochran has claimed showjumping glory on the international stage, at one of the continent’s top junior equestrian events. The Brescia House rider competed against seven nations at the South African Equestrian Federation Colours I Group IX Inter Africa Showjumping Team Competition. South Africa’s victory secured the coveted team title and also earned Katie her South African Equestrian Federation colours, an honour awarded to riders who consistently perform at the highest level.

Keith Boyd made history by running from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront to Cairo in just 301 gruelling days. Aged 59, Boyd earned a Guinness World Record for the fastest run by a man on the route. Boyd began his journey in July 2023, using the epic run to amplify the work of RainbowLeaders.org.za. He founded this organisation after completing his MBA to empower young Africans through education, voting and accountable leadership. Boyd ran to give RainbowLeaders a stronger voice to raise awareness and funding for future leaders across the continent.