News Bulletin of 28 October 2026, 1pm

Twenty-three University of Johannesburg students have represented the university at the FundaMzantsi National Competition in George, winning awards in Xitsonga and Setswana.
Vunwe Rikhotso won first place in the Xitsonga book review category and third place in impromptu reading, while Lesego Mabuza secured second place in Setswana impromptu reading.
The competition brought together 298 book clubs from across South Africa for activities including debates, book reviews, reading and spelling bees.
The students belong to UJ’s ReaBala Reading Club, which promotes reading, academic development and appreciation of African languages.

South African percussionist Kyrah Adams has won three awards at the UNISA South African Music Scholarship Competition, including the overall title and the South African Music Scholarship.
The second-year Bachelor of Music student at Stellenbosch University also received the UNISA Developing Artist Prize and the South African Composition Prize.
Her performance featured works by international composers and two movements from South African composer Hendrik Hofmeyr, who is now writing a marimba concerto specifically for her.
Adams hopes to compete internationally and help more young South African percussionists access opportunities abroad.

Veteran South African broadcaster Tim Modise has received an honorary doctorate in Communication Science from North-West University, recognising his contribution to broadcasting and public debate.
The degree was awarded at the university’s Mahikeng campus, where his broadcasting career began at Radio Bop.
Modise became known for his political interviews and current affairs coverage, including questioning Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk during their televised debate ahead of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.
He says the honour is especially meaningful because his broadcasting journey began in Mahikeng.