News Bulletin of 5 March 2026, 8am

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
Police raise R16m for education
Story 2
The South African Police Service raised over R16 million at the annual National Golf Day for the SAPS Education Trust.
The trust, established in 2010, has now provided more than R21 million to support over 1 900 children with school and tertiary education.
More than 170 beneficiaries earned their National Senior Certificates, and over 50 completed tertiary qualifications.
Most supported families lost their sole breadwinner, and the initiative helps children continue their education.
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 0.00 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 72,439.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
All Blacks coach eyes SA tour
Teaser / Tailpiece story
New Zealand’s new head coach, Dave Rennie, says he is excited about the Greatest Rivalry Tour in South Africa later this year.
In the first edition, the Springboks will play the All Blacks in August and September, with four games in Johannesburg, Cape Town and for the first time ever, the USA.
Rennie says he is looking forward to six exciting weeks in South Africa:
*sound*
Split analysis
Local: 83 words (40%), National: 68 words (33%), International: 55 words (27%)