News Bulletin of 3 June 2025, 3pm

The Real Madrid Foundation has expanded its youth football programme to Gauteng, launching at Generation Schools Taroko in Modderfontein, Johannesburg.
The initiative, in partnership with Generation Schools, supports 150 young players across the country with coaching, mentorship and education.
In Gauteng, 50 youngsters are already benefiting, with plans to grow that number by year-end.
The launch event drew over 900 families, and the Spanish Ambassador to South Africa praised the impact of the programme.
Organisers say football is being used as a tool to open real doors for education and personal growth.

Bongolwethu Mabusela, a chemical engineering PhD graduate from Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape, has taken steps to make his research more accessible by translating parts of it into isiXhosa.
His project, completed at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, developed a vacuum ultraviolet photolysis reactor that extends the shelf-life of fruit and vegetables, helping small-scale farmers reduce post-harvest losses.
Mabusela said the system slows down the metabolic activity of fruits after harvest, keeping them fresh longer and reducing food waste.
With his supervisor’s help, he translated the study’s abstract into isiXhosa to ensure Xhosa-speaking farmers can understand and benefit from the innovation.
He emphasised the importance of inclusivity and sustainable solutions in food preservation to fight hunger and support farmers’ profits.

Communities across South Africa are coming together to raise awareness and offer support for mental health, creating hope for those struggling.
Safe Talk, founded by Lino Muller, is leading the way by teaching people how to recognise warning signs and break the stigma around suicide.
Pretoria Volunteer Emergency Services is also playing a vital role, responding to calls and providing care, especially for young people.
Personal stories like Sarah’s show how listening and support can help people find strength and healing.
With ongoing training for teachers, doctors, and police, South Africa is building a future where everyone feels heard and supported.
The message is clear: together, we can bring hope, understanding, and help to those in need.