News Bulletin of 31 December 2025, 10am

Rand Water Announces January Maintenance Schedule
Rand Water has confirmed a three-phase maintenance schedule, with the final two phases set for January 2026. The third phase begins on 6 January and will involve valve and meter replacements on the F18 pipeline. This will affect parts of Mogale City, Rand West, and areas of Johannesburg, including Kagiso, Roodepoort, and Meadowlands. The work will run until 8 January. The final phase is scheduled for 16 to 17 January. Rand Water's Spokesperson Mmakenosi Maruo

Sandton and Gauteng
SA Technologist Receives Lifetime Award
South Africa Technologist Professor Eldrid Jordaan has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Award for his role as a mentor to young entrepreneurs.The accolade was presented in Sandton alongside the United Nations Population Fund Youth Digital Health Summit for 2025. The award recognises Jordaan’s leadership and long-standing commitment to promoting innovation across Africa. Jordaan described the recognition as deeply meaningful, and says the honour reinforces the urgent need to invest in young African talent.
South Africa
Ekurhuleni Urges Safe Fireworks Use
The City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services is reminding residents and businesses to follow strict rules when selling and using fireworks. Fireworks are allowed under certain conditions, but safety and compliance remain a priority. During the New Year period, authorities will work closely with SAPS, EMPD, and DEMS. Emergencies can be reported by calling the DEMS on 011 458 zero911 or 112.
Sandton and Gauteng
Financial Indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.58 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 0.00 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 88,496.00.
UK Alexa Users Ask About AI and Celebrities
According to Amazon’s 2025 roundup of “Alexa’s Most Asked Questions', UK users frequently ask Alexa what “AI” means. Other popular queries include everyday topics like “how long do I poach an egg for?” and “what’s the diameter of Earth?”Celebrity curiosity is also high, with users asking about fortunes, partners, and height. The most-searched stars were Cristiano Ronaldo, Taylor Swift, and Elon Musk. Most questions about height focused on Hollywood star Tom Cruise, closely followed by towering former English soccer player Peter Crouch.When it comes to net worth, Musk topped the list, followed by YouTuber MrBeast and Taylor Swift.
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