News Bulletin of 28 December 2025, 12pm

Zoo Lake Marks Milestone Year
Johannesburg residents can enjoy the city's annual Festival of Lights every Thursday to Sunday from 7pm to 10 pm at the Joburg Zoo.The annual showcase features thousands of dazzling lights, life-size illuminated animal displays and exciting entertainment, offering families a magical night-time experience and a standout holiday attraction.The spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Jenny Moodley says the Festival will continue until the 4th of January 20261.
Sandton and Gauteng
Khayelitsha Shelter Spreads Holiday Cheer to Pets
Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter, based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, is celebrating a heartwarming festive initiative. Staff dressed as Christmas elves delivered 332 gift packs of food and treats to pets in the local community, spreading cheer to both animals and their owners.The shelter which treats around 1,500 animals monthly also faces ongoing challenges, including overcrowding due to abandoned pets and the unexpected need to rebuild a damaged operating theatre.The organisation's services extend beyond the holidays, with veterinary care, sterilisation programmes, mobile clinics, and educational outreach all year round.
South Africa
Cape Town Named Top Travel Destination
City of Cape Town's Mayoral committee member for Economic Growth, James Vos says the Mother Ciy is thriving and it's no surprise it's been recognised as a top destination.Travel and Leisure Asia and the US News & World Report have both ranked Cape Town among their top destinations for the year, citing the city's stunning landscapes, oceans, iconic landmarks, and rich cultural diversity.Vos attributes this achievement to the city's focused efforts to unlock priority markets, including India:
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South Africa
Financial Indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.65 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,532.68 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 87,718.00.
UK Alexa Users Ask About AI and Celebrities
According to Amazon’s 2025 roundup of “Alexa’s Most Asked Questions', UK users frequently ask Alexa what “AI” means. Other popular queries include everyday topics like “how long do I poach an egg for?” and “what’s the diameter of Earth?”Celebrity curiosity is also high, with users asking about fortunes, partners, and height. The most-searched stars were Cristiano Ronaldo, Taylor Swift, and Elon Musk. Most questions about height focused on Hollywood star Tom Cruise, closely followed by towering former English soccer player Peter Crouch.When it comes to net worth, Musk topped the list, followed by YouTuber MrBeast and Taylor Swift.
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