News Bulletin of 26 August 2025, 10am

Headline 1
Minister Gwarube highlights importance of strong foundation phase
Story 1
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, has emphasised the importance of getting the foundation phase right, in order to achieve optimum results.
Gwarube was addressing stakeholders, including education professionals and learners, gathered for a one-day national indaba on education at the G20 Basic Education National Indaba at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.
She says they want to build an education system where all children, regardless of their background, are able to access quality education:
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Story 1 category
Headline 2
SmartStart Network Celebrates Success at Week of the Stars
Story 2
The Smart-Start Network held its annual Week of the Stars conference in Fourways earlier this month.
The event brought together contributors from across the network to reflect on achievements and challenges.
The Night of the Stars Awards recognized exceptional partner organisations and individuals.
The conference aimed to close the early learning gap for disadvantaged children in South Africa.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
KZN Makes History with Women's Blind Cricket Team
Story 3
The University of KwaZulu-Natal recently hosted its first-ever training camp for a women's blind cricket team in KZN, marking a significant step forward for disability sports and cricket development in South Africa.
This ground-breaking initiative was spearheaded by the KwaZulu-Natal Association of Blind Cricket and saw enthusiastic participation from women across the province, marking the formal beginning of the team.
The camp involved an intensive three-day programme of skills training, match play, leadership development and team-building.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 17.60 to the US Dollar, 23.68 to the British Pound, and 20.45 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 3,365.39 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 68.32 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 110,359.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
coach Rassie Erasmus names Bok squad to face the All Blacks
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named the Bok squad to face the All Blacks.
The teams meet in back-to-back Rugby Championship matches in Auckland on 6 September and Wellington on 13 September.
Out of the 38 players who were part of the squad for the two matches against Australia, 36 players will travel to New Zealand for the two test matches against the All Blacks.
Erasmus says the squad has been working hard since June, with seasoned players building on their experience and newer players proving their readiness for the challenge in recent series and matches.
Split analysis
Local: 58 words (27%), National: 76 words (36%), International: 77 words (36%)