News Bulletin of 3 January 2026, 7am

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Sandown Intersection upgrade nears completion
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The Johannesburg Roads Agency says work at the busy Sandown intersection is progressing well, with final tarring, road markings and pedestrian paving now underway.

The project is expected to be completed and ready for handover later this year, bringing improved safety and smoother travel for road users and pedestrians.

The project follows urgent underground pipeline repairs carried out by Johannesburg Water earlier last year, which required extensive excavation and subsequent road reinstatement.
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Headline 2
American YouTuber IShowSpeed arrives in South Africa
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Renowned American YouTuber and livestream personality IShowSpeed has arrived in South Africa, making the country one of the key stops on his continent-wide tour.

The 20-year-old streamer arrived in Cape Town as part of his “Speed Does Africa” tour, a 28-day livestream journey taking him across more than 20 African countries.

Speed’s South African experience has quickly gained traction online, with clips of his activities, including shark cage diving, exploring the city, attempting local languages and interacting with residents.

The tour is expected to become one of the biggest creator-led travel livestreams ever staged.
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Iconic Minstrel Carnival returns to Cape Town
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The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival is set to take place in the month of January 2026.

The annual Street Parade is the longest existing carnival in the city of Cape Town and a vibrant celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The Western Cape's Benedicta van Minnen says the provincial Cultural Affairs and Sport Department has allocated an annual funding budget of 1.7-million-rand to support the event ensuring that it continues to thrive.
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Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Famous Britons recognised in new year honours
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Actor Idris Elba and members of England's triumphant Women's Euro 2025 football team were among some of the famous Britons who were recognised in the country's traditional New Year Honours on Monday.

As the co-founder of the Elba Hope Foundation, the renowned actor co-created the Creative Futures project, providing vocational training in the arts for disadvantaged youth.

His advocacy and initiatives have significantly impacted global audiences and local communities.

The Actor says he hopes to do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people.

More than 1,150 people received honours in the latest list, which is decided by an honours committee.
Split analysis
Local: 72 words (30%), National: 167 words (70%), International: 0 words (0%)