News Bulletin of 31 March 2026, 12pm

Headline 1
Gauteng Health MEC praises Reach for a Dream’s new hospital room for children
Story 1
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko praised Reach for a Dream for creating a new Dream Room at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, saying she hopes the organisation continues to make more children’s dreams come true.
The Dream Room gives young patients a safe space to play, learn, and relax while waiting for treatment.
It is equipped with books, toys, games, and virtual reality experiences, all guided by trained psychology graduates who support children’s emotional well-being and development.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the initiative helps children cope with illness and brings hope and joy to their hospital visits.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Cycling returns to Alexandra with Climate Riders and Siya Shova
Story 2
Climate Riders and Siya Shova have relaunched community cycling tours in Alexandra, combining exercise with environmental action.
The rides get young people on bikes, cutting carbon emissions and providing a safe, healthy alternative to street activities.
Participants also reconnect with the area’s cycling tradition, make new friends and help create a cleaner, calmer neighbourhood.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
The Mother City hosts week-long jazz festival with music and learning
Story 3
Last week, Cape Town came alive with a week-long programme of music, culture, and learning at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Young musicians and aspiring creatives joined workshops on jazz performance, music production, and event management. They gained hands-on experience alongside live shows.
The free concert at Greenmarket Square on March 25 let participants perform in front of an audience and apply their new skills.
The festival finale at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on March 27 and 28 featured over 30 local and international artists. Students watched and joined multi-stage performances in jazz, soul, and Afro-fusion.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 17.18 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,495.82 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 67,362.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Rassie Erasmus: Nations Championship tests a tough challenge
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the inaugural Nations Championship Tests will be a thrilling challenge.
The Boks start their campaign against England in Johannesburg on 4 July, before facing Scotland in Pretoria on 11 July, and Wales in Durban on 18 July.
Erasmus says all three teams will draw inspiration from the fact that they come off a highly competitive Six Nations competition, while the Boks will only be beginning their season.
He adds that they will need to hit the ground running to be as competitive as possible:
*sound*
Split analysis
Local: 153 words (62%), National: 0 words (0%), International: 95 words (38%)