News Bulletin of 26 January 2026, 4pm

Headline 1
Windsor East swimming pool restored for community use
Story 1
Windsor East’s swimming pool has been cleaned and made safe for residents thanks to the efforts of Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs and the Beagle Watch environmental team.
The pool had fallen into neglect, overrun with weeds and grass, creating safety concerns and limiting access. Jacobs reached out to Beagle Watch, who joined her in restoring the facility, mowing, weeding, and making the pool area welcoming again.
The clean-up ensures the pool is now safe and accessible for local families, providing a space for recreation while highlighting the importance of partnerships between councillors and community organisations in maintaining public amenities.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Botrivier man graduates as chef with community support
Story 2
A Botrivier man, Lucas Letswela, has earned his first professional kitchen qualification thanks to the support of two guests at Wildekrans Wine Estate.
Lucas had been learning on the job in the estate’s kitchens while supporting his family, but he could not afford formal training.
Two regular visitors, Jean-Michel and Marie-Paule Curchod, noticed the care he put into preparing meals and asked about his ambitions. Learning that formal training was out of reach, they paid for his 13-week course, supplied a knife set, and arranged transport for the 180-kilometre round trip to classes.
Lucas completed the course without missing a single class, earning an internationally recognised diploma.
The support allowed him to achieve his dream of becoming a chef and brought relief and pride to his family.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Gauteng opens R240 million special needs school in Springs
Story 3
Gauteng has opened the Dr W.K. du Plessis School for Learners with Special Education Needs in Springs, Ekurhuleni. The R240 million school caters to children with epilepsy, autism, and other specialised needs.
It currently enrols 380 learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12 and offers boarding for 60 students. The school features therapy rooms, specialist classrooms, life-skills centres, and on-site nursing support.
Officials say the new school will help reduce Gauteng’s waiting list for learners with special needs and give students the skills and opportunities to fully participate in education and the economy.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.06 to the US Dollar, 21.93 to the British Pound, and 19.02 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,084.42 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 65.88 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 87,732.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Virginia students refurbish cars for single mothers
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Teenagers at Louisa County High School in Mineral, Virginia, are helping single mothers by refurbishing donated cars and giving them away. The automotive technology students repair brakes, fluids, batteries, and other systems before presenting the cars with a big red bow.
The program, run with the local nonprofit Giving Words, has given over 60 cars and repaired more than 260 so far. One recipient, Jessica Rader, a single mom of three, said the car allowed her to move from part-time to full-time work and better manage her family life.
Teacher Shane Robertson says the initiative gives students hands-on experience while helping families get reliable transportation.
Split analysis
Local: 191 words (60%), National: 128 words (40%), International: 0 words (0%)