News Bulletin of 31 January 2026, 9am

Hlanzekile River and Ocean Cleaning launches youth environmental drive
The Hlanzekile River and Ocean Cleaning non-profit organization recently challenged young learners in Mzimhlophe in Soweto, to collect plastic waste in their community as part of a stationery competition aimed at building environmental awareness among young people.

The programme reinforced the connection between everyday actions and environmental impact, demonstrating that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference.

The programme concluded with a prize-giving event, where learners were recognised for their commitment to keeping their surroundings clean.

Stationery vouchers valued at R500, R1000 and R1500 were donated by Hlanzekile River and Ocean Cleaning as part of its ongoing support for youth development and environmental education.
Sandton and Gauteng
Electronic Travel Authorisation System to create up to 100,000 jobs
The Department of Tourism has projected that the new Electronic Travel Authorisation system will create between 80,000 and 100,000 jobs.

The ETA system which was piloted during the country’s G20 Summit last year enables travellers to apply online, captures biometrics, and gives real-time approvals, significantly shortening processing times.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille announced on Tuesday that the country hit a record 10.48 million international arrivals in 2025 and has described the system as transformative for travel into the country.
South Africa
South Africa to host World Economic Forum Africa Summit in 2027
Government has welcomed the World Economic Forum’s decision to once again entrust South Africa with hosting the World Economic Forum Africa Summit in 2027.

The summit was last held in September 2019 in Cape Town and has been paused since the Covid-19 pandemic fallout in 2020.

Government acting spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa, says hosting the summit will provide a significant boost to the tourism sector, support economic growth and create opportunities for job creation across hospitality, transport, logistics and related value chains.
South Africa
Financial Indicators
Two University of Pretoria students awarded prestigious Rhodes scholarships
Two University of Pretoria postgraduate students have been awarded Rhodes Scholarships to pursue studies at the University of Oxford in the UK in 2026.

Ruth Kasanga and Ntando Dube will be heading to Oxford in October 2026 to join a global cohort of more than 100 Rhodes Scholars from around the world to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies and become part of a strong community of Scholars determined to make a positive difference in the world.

The Rhodes Scholarship, described as a “globally inclusive and thoughtful community of leaders”, is the world’s preeminent and oldest graduate fellowship, based at the University of Oxford since 1903. Since inception, nearly 1 000 high-achieving graduates from universities across Southern Africa have been awarded the Rhodes Scholarship to further their studies at Oxford.
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