News Bulletin of 3 July 2025, 6pm

The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation has unveiled a Blue Plaque at the newly restored Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, honouring more than 60 years of the site’s contribution to science, education, and civic life.
Formerly the Wits Planetarium, the dome opened in 1960 as only the second university planetarium in the world.
Now home to cutting-edge research in astronomy and AI, the dome’s transformation was praised as a blend of heritage and innovation.
Wits Vice-Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi called it “a beacon of excellence, hope and renewal”, while Anglo American said the project reflects Johannesburg’s spirit of progress and preservation.

In the United States, Alabama will soon host the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp, a training experience for young women aged 14 to 18, celebrating the legacy of the Star Trek trailblazer.
Nichols, the first Black woman to star in a primetime US TV show as Lieutenant Uhura, broke barriers by portraying a senior officer in space, inspiring generations of women and black South Africans alike.
The camp, held at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, combines NASA-style astronaut training with Star Trek-inspired lessons, including “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations” and mission scenarios mirroring Uhura’s role.
Prompted by a conversation with Dr Martin Luther King Jr., Nichols stayed on Star Trek to represent a future of racial harmony, famously starring in one of TV’s first interracial kisses.
Scholarships will be made available to help make this unique opportunity accessible to deserving participants.

A landmark evening is set for Saturday, 5 July, as the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture honours the legendary Mama Abigail Kubeka.
The tribute concert, part of the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series, will take place at 18:00 at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
More than 25 iconic performers — including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Faith Kekana and Mandisa Dlanga — will come together to celebrate Kubeka’s nearly 68‑year legacy in music, theatre and film.
Directed by Khaya Mahlangu, the event is designed to “give her flowers while she can still smell them”, recognising her profound impact on South Africa’s cultural landscape.