News Bulletin of 31 July 2026, 9am

Headline 1
Bond Through Play Gets FIFA Support
Story 1
Sesame Workshop International South Africa has received funding from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to expand its Bond Through Play Initiative.
The programme will bring play-based learning and soccer activities to more than 800 children in underserved communities.
The initiative includes teacher training, caregiver workshops and family activities that support early childhood development.
The project will also increase participation for girls and children with disabilities through inclusive play programmes.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Sandton Opens Smart Licence Centre
Story 2
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has opened a new Smart Driving Licence Testing Centre at Sandton Gautrain Station.
The cashless, appointment-only facility processes licence renewals, vehicle licensing and other services, with most transactions expected to take between 15 and 20 minutes.
The centre uses digital systems and enhanced security measures to reduce fraud and bribery.
It is the seventh smart licensing centre in Gauteng and operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Primestars Expands Maths Science Programme
Story 3
More Grade 10 and 11 learners will receive maths and science support as the Primestars eduCate revision programme expands in 2026.
The programme was launched at Cell C’s head office in Johannesburg and is supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
It provides revision support to help learners continue with Mathematics and Physical Sciences before reaching Matric.
The initiative aims to strengthen the number of learners entering science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 0.00 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 64,324.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Banyana Banyana Keep WAFCON Hopes Alive
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Banyana Banyana remain confident they can reach the knockout stages of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite losing their opening match in Morocco.
South Africa must beat Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in their remaining fixtures to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Forward Linda Motlhalo, who has scored seven WAFCON goals since her debut in 2016, says the team can recover and push for qualification:
*sound*
Split analysis
Local: 154 words (69%), National: 0 words (0%), International: 69 words (31%)