News Bulletin of 27 February 2026, 8am

Headline 1
Soft Robotics changing lives through tech
Story 1
The newly launched Soft Robotics course at Wits University and the University of Johannesburg is teaching students to build devices that can help people in everyday life.
Earlier this month, 30 engineering students created prototypes like automated blood pressure monitors to track health and inflatable backpacks that could make carrying heavy loads easier.
The students used 3D printing and air-powered circuits to make the devices work.
The course will help both universities continue training students to design useful robotic tools in the future.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Safe haven for vulnerable children
Story 2
Guardians of Hope is working to keep a safe home open for 30 children aged newborn to six who were abandoned, surrendered, or need palliative care.
Through its 2000 Hearts Campaign, the organisation aims to secure stable monthly funding from 2,000 donors contributing R150 each to cover formula, nappies, medical care, and electricity.
The goal is to prevent the relocation of 22 children and allow them to remain in a consistent, 24-hour care environment supported by caregivers and weekly medical check-ups.
The organisation says reaching its target will help provide stability and find permanent families for the children.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
City of Cape Town wins global Bloomberg Mayor’s Challenge
Story 3
The City of Cape Town is the winner of the global Bloomberg Mayor’s Challenge.
The metro has secured a 15.8-million-rand prize for funding towards community co-designed waste management solutions in informal settlements.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says Cape Town’s entry was for a project aiming to improve waste management solutions in partnership with informal settlement residents, to reduce illegal dumping, and achieve cleaner, healthier communities:
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Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 15.93 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 18.79 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,193.12 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 67,766.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees announced
Teaser / Tailpiece story
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has announced nominees for the Class of 2026, including Billy Idol, Mariah Carey, Sade, Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, P!NK, Wu-Tang Clan and Luther Vandross among others.
Artists become eligible 25 years after their first commercial release, and this year features ten first-time nominees.
Fans can vote online until 3 April 2026, while an international panel of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals will also vote on the final list.
The Class of 2026 will be unveiled in April.
Split analysis
Local: 82 words (34%), National: 94 words (39%), International: 67 words (28%)