News Bulletin of 29 October 2025, 2pm

Hyde Park High School teacher Siyabulela Mokebe is being celebrated by his learners for his impact on their academic and personal growth.
The maths and science teacher, also an author and mentor, was nominated by students for the Minister’s Special Award in the National Teaching Awards 2025.
Learners praised his dedication, saying he goes beyond teaching, offering support in other subjects and building their confidence and resilience.
Mokebe said the nominations highlighted how a teacher’s actions can either build hope or harm a generation, reinforcing his commitment to ethical and transformative education.

Three women in the Eastern Cape are leading efforts to save the 144-year-old Wylde Bridge, which has fallen into severe disrepair.
Accompanied by their dogs and driven by determination, they’ve physically blocked heavy trucks from using the bridge and worsening the damage.
Their campaign has led the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to step in, agreeing to meet with the group and introduce the engineers and contractors assigned to carry out repairs.
This is the first concrete step toward restoring one of the region’s oldest crossings.

Poland’s lower house has passed a law banning fur farming by the end of 2033, with compensation available for farms that close by 2031.
The move, supported by lawmakers across most parties, comes after years of strong public backing and advocacy from animal-rights groups.
Poland, the world’s second-largest fur producer after China, kills around 3 million animals annually and will now join over 20 European countries that have outlawed the practice.
The law also increases severance pay for farm workers and is expected to accelerate the decline of the industry, which has already seen a sharp drop in farms and exports in recent years.