News Bulletin of 5 March 2026, 12pm

Headline 1
UP develops new AI-powered EARS training programme
Story 1
The University of Pretoria has developed a new AI-powered tool, EARS, to help South African teachers stop hearing loss in children.
The tool guides teachers through modules on spotting early warning signs, observing children in class and referring them for proper assessment.
Tests with over 1,000 teachers showed knowledge improved and stayed measurable six months later.
Professor De Wet Swanepoel says teachers can start the free program by sending “EARS” to a WhatsApp number, giving every educator the chance to protect children’s hearing.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
PRASA adds extra trains for 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour
Story 2
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa in the Western Cape will add extra trains for the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday, to help cyclists and spectators avoid road closures and traffic.
Park-and-ride will be available at key stations, and security will be heightened.
PRASA’s Raymond Maseko urged riders and fans to leave their cars at home, arrive early, and plan their journeys for a safe and hassle-free race day.
At the same time, Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, has encouraged learners in the province, between the ages of 11-and 18, to apply for free entries to the 42km cycle:
*sound*
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Sony World Photography Awards winners and shortlists announced
Story 3
The Sony World Photography Awards have announced the 2026 Open category winners and shortlists.
Selected images from the professional competition, including Robby Ogilvie’s winning photo of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, will be on display at Somerset House in London, from April 17 to May 4.
Earlier this year, the Student and Youth category shortlists were also revealed.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.33 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 19.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,159.40 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 71,953.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Bad Bunny breaks records at Super Bowl
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance has become the most-watched show in National Football League history, reaching 4.2 billion views across broadcasts, YouTube and other digital platforms.
His 6th studio album released in January last year, stayed at number one on the Billboard Global 200 for 5-weeks and returned to the top of the Billboard 200 on Saturday.
Streams and sales also surged internationally.
He also made his Australian debut with two sold-out concerts at a stadium in Sydney, drawing nearly 89,000 fans and setting a venue attendance record.
Split analysis
Local: 83 words (34%), National: 106 words (43%), International: 55 words (23%)