News Bulletin of 30 August 2026, 11am

Celebrating SA’s Finest Spirits
South Africa’s top spirits producers gathered at Fergusons Illovo last week, for the 2026 Investec Trophy Spirits Show Awards. Now in its eighth year, the
competition attracted everything from major international brands to spirits crafted locally by passionate producers. Michael Fridjhon, chairman of the judging panel and an experienced wine and spirits judge, said the anonymous judging process made for a fascinating competition.Trophy winners, along with gold and silver medallists, were recognised following the rigorous judging process.
Sandton and Gauteng
Diepsloot Business Creates Local Jobs
An online business in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, is generating between R3,000 and R5,000 in daily revenue while creating jobs in the local community. ELCEE Trading Enterprise sells sneakers, iPhones, hair extensions, blankets and curtains through its online platform. Founder Lerato Nkgapele has grown the business while supporting other people through employment. ELCEE Trading Enterprise is a typical example of an informal economy business, which is one of the biggest employers in South Africa. The size of the informal economy is widely estimated at between 900 billion and 1 trillion rand.
Sandton and Gauteng
Comrades Marathon Sets 2027 Record
The Comrades Marathon Association has launched the 2027 centenary race, increasing the entry cap to 28,000 runners.The race will take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Entry fees will remain unchanged, with entries opening on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. The 2027 race will mark the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon and the 50th Down Run.
The centenary Comrades Marathon will bring together a record 28,000 runners, celebrating 100 editions of one of South Africa’s best-known road races and giving more people the chance to take part.
South Africa
Financial Indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.18 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,457.22 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 78,041.00.
117 Years Young!
An elderly lady recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday. Ethel Caterham was Born in the United Kingdom on August 21, 1909. She was the seventh of eight children and has lived through more than a century of extraordinary change. She credits her remarkable longevity to a “nonconfrontational” attitude, saying she avoids arguing while rarely compromising. Ethel has outlived her husband by 50 years and both of her daughters. Today, she enjoys the love and company of three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Ethel’s extraordinary 117-year journey is a celebration of resilience, family and embracing life with a positive attitude — proving it’s never too late for a new adventure or a first.
Local: 165 words (66%), National: 84 words (34%), International: 0 words (0%)