News Bulletin of 29 May 2026, 2pm

Headline 1
Spotify says SA artists earn over R500 million as it opens Johannesburg office
Story 1
Spotify says South African artists generated more than R500 million in royalties in 2025, as the global streaming platform expands its footprint with a new office in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
The company says nearly three quarters of those earnings came from international listeners, with South African music being discovered by first-time audiences more than 1.6 billion times last year.
Spotify says the new office will strengthen its relationships with local artists and the music industry, while supporting the growth of African music globally. The move has also reignited debate over streaming payouts to musicians.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
NYDA launches youth outreach drive in Mpumalanga
Story 2
The National Youth Development Agency, in partnership with the Mpumalanga provincial government, is launching its youth outreach initiative in Secunda, aimed at bringing services and opportunities closer to communities.
The programme offers career guidance, CV support, entrepreneurship assistance, skills development and access to government services, with support from multiple departments and partners working together to address youth unemployment.
Minister Chikungu says the initiative is about probing services and not just providing information, but ensuring young people can access real opportunities.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
UJ Choir to open major global choral symposium in China
Story 3
The University of Johannesburg Choir has been selected to open the World Symposium on Choral Music 2026 in China, one of the most prestigious events in the global choral calendar.
The Johannesburg-based choir is one of only 13 ensembles invited worldwide and the only African group on the programme, earning the honour of performing first at the symposium in August.
Made up of students from across different academic fields, the choir is known for its award-winning performances and international recognition, including gold medals at the World Choir Games.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.26 to the US Dollar, 21.82 to the British Pound, and 18.92 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,514.71 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 93.71 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 73,519.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Disney and Philips team up to ease anxiety in children during MRI scans
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Disney has partnered with healthcare company Philips on a new initiative aimed at reducing anxiety and limiting the need for sedation in children undergoing MRI scans.
The programme introduces immersive Disney storytelling experiences designed to help young patients feel calmer and more comfortable inside MRI rooms, turning the clinical environment into a more child-friendly space.
The approach is expected to improve patient experience while supporting hospitals in delivering safer, less stressful imaging procedures for children.
Split analysis
Local: 177 words (69%), National: 80 words (31%), International: 0 words (0%)