News Bulletin of 27 April 2026, 12pm

Joburg Tourism has partnered with Soweto Fashion Week to give emerging designers direct access to buyers, media and new customers at the Autumn/Winter 2026 showcase.
The event will run from 28 April to 1 May at the Soweto Theatre, where designers will present collections and sell products through an on-site market.
Participating small businesses will use the platform to build brand visibility, secure orders and grow their networks.
Featured brands include Africa Fashion Alive, Odwa by Milli, Scenty by Nonkosi and Season Creations Accessories.

The National Research Foundation has launched 41 new research chairs at universities across South Africa to strengthen teaching and innovation.
The programme targets historically disadvantaged institutions, universities of technology and emerging universities, including the University of Fort Hare, University of Venda and Durban University of Technology.
It provides long-term funding to build research capacity and attract leading academics.
The initiative forms part of a national effort to improve science and innovation in higher education.

Zimbabwe and Botswana will allow citizens to cross the border using national identity documents instead of passports.
Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Duma Boko signed the agreement in Harare.
The deal expands trade, allows movement of people and goods, and strengthens border security.
Additional agreements cover defence cooperation and investment to grow economic links between the two countries.