News Bulletin of 5 December 2025, 7am

Late school applications for grades 1 and 8 in Gauteng for the 2026 academic year will open on 17 December and run until the end of January 2026.
This was revealed by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane while providing an update on learner placement progress for next year.
Chiloane says with late applications, parents will only be allowed to apply at schools they find on the system:
*sound*

The MEG Foundation is collecting teddy bears for children facing life-threatening illnesses or living with impairment in disadvantaged communities in KwaZulu-Natal.
The foundation has partnered with Wheels on Waves, a disability awareness initiative, to collect new or pre-loved teddy bears at their drop-off point on Amanzimtoti Main Beach.
The goal is to collect 1,000 teddies for distribution to hospitals, disability centres, and disadvantaged communities.
The teddies will bring comfort and smiles to children spending the festive season in hospital.
The community is invited to donate clean, gently used teddy bears to support the cause.

South African Scientists have been recognised at Global Change Conference for their role in advancing understanding of environmental and climate systems.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina praised the scientists' contributions through research, planning, and sustainability initiatives at the 6th National Global Change Conference at the University of Mpumalanga.
The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, and young researchers to discuss challenges like climate change, pollution, urbanisation, and biodiversity loss.
University of Mpumalanga Deputy Vice-Chancellor Aldo Stroebel said the event strengthens South Africa's capacity to respond to environmental shifts and fosters collaboration in research.