News Bulletin of 26 June 2025, 9am

The Connie Chiume Foundation hosted the Connie Chiume Student Film Festival 2025, in KwaZulu-Natal last week, with a programme of workshops, screenings, awards and industry activation events focused on empowering youth in historically disadvantaged communities. The three-day event reflected on her commitment to develop the next generation of South African filmmakers.Therea Vivian Moila, Interim CEO and Board Chairperson of the foundation and Nongelo Chiume, spokesperson of the foundation.SOUND

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has opened applications for its 18-month Metro Police Training Program, set to begin on 1 January 2026. The program targets young residents of the City of Johannesburg and offers a monthly stipend during training at the JMPD Training Academy. Upon successful completion, candidates may be appointed as Metro Police Officers. Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18 to 35, possess a Grade 12 certificate, hold a valid Code B driver’s license, have no criminal record, and be physically and mentally fit. Applications are only accepted online through the City of Johannesburg’s website at joburg.org.za. The recruitment process is free, transparent, and subject to strict vetting. The closing date for applications is 8 July 2025.

Jamie Oliver, just gave a nod of approval to one of Cape Town’s most exciting culinary gems: Belly of the Beast. The globally renowned chef is currently in the Mother City and one of his stops included the much-loved, proudly local 30-seater restaurant tucked away in the heart of town. Belly of the Beast is not your average dining experience as there is no menu to choose from. Customers are told to trust the chefs, the ingredients and the carefully curated journey they’ve designed for each sitting. Both lunch and dinner. So when Jamie popped in, the team were understandably a little starstruck. Last year, Jamie visited The Test Kitchen Fledglings, a local upliftment programme that fuses fine dining with culinary training.