News Bulletin of 31 May 2025, 10am

The City of Johannesburg is embarking on a road show campaign which began on the 26th of May, to promote the Spaza shop support fund.

The R500 million fund which was launched in Soweto last month aims to support township entrepreneurs with financial and non-financial support.

Eligible spaza shop owners can receive up to R300 000 through a combination of grants and interest-free loans. Spaza shop owners can use the money to purchase stock or upgrade their business infrastructure.

The roadshows will be held in all seven regions of the city until July.

The transport minister Barbara Creecy has reopened the rail line between Cape Town and Chris Hani, marking a key milestone in restoring Cape Town's strategic Central Line.

The reopening comes after extensive repair work on stations, substations and overhead traction electrification systems.

The Cape Town's central line is considered the backbone of public transport in the Western Cape province, conveying more than half a million train commuters when operating at its peak.

Minister Creecy says the reopening of line has led to a significant increase in passenger trips nationwide, reaching 77 million over the past year.

To celebrate its awards turning 25 this year, American Television channel BET has selected four legendary performers, to receive a special recognition for their artistry and advocacy.

Singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, rapper Snoop Dogg, actor Jamie Foxx and gospel singer Kirk Franklin, are set to receive the Ultimate Icon Award at the ceremony, which will take place next month.

The BET Ultimate Icon Award aims to celebrate decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy and community impact.