News Bulletin of 7 February 2026, 1pm

Diepsloot early childhood centre launches appeal to build permanent home
An early childhood development centre based in Diepsloot, has launched an urgent appeal for support as it works to build a permanent home for its learners after losing access to its previous premises.

The Ark Academy's school principal, Mochaki Mothapo, explained that the school is focused on providing a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for young children during their most important developmental years.

As of the end of last year, the Academy had 48 learners enrolled, and a further 54 children in aftercare. The numbers are expected to increase once the academy's new site is completed and fully operational.

To complete the next phase of construction, Ark Academy has launched the BackaBuddy campaign to raise R75,000 for essential building materials and labour. The completed facility will enable the Academy to support even more children.

Members of the public, businesses and organisations can contribute to the initiative via the BackaBuddy.co.za website.
Sandton and Gauteng
SuperSport Schools Project delivers sports facility to Credence Primary School
More than 1,000 learners at Credence Primary School in Bloemfontein are set to benefit from a new multipurpose sports court that was handed over by MultiChoice Group through its SuperSport Schools Playing Fields Project.

The facility is designed to support grassroots sport and strengthen school sport programmes while also serving the broader community.

The newly constructed field will allow learners to participate in a range of sporting codes, including 7-a-side soccer, netball, modified hockey, touch rugby and volleyball. Beyond physical activity, the facility is intended to strengthen school sport programmes and create a shared space for learners and the broader community.
South Africa
Cape Town records strong economic impact from 2025 events
The City of Cape Town says its 2025 events calendar recorded strong attendance, significant economic impact and job creation, reinforcing the city’s position as Africa’s leading events destination.

The Events Permit Office approved 1 064 events during the year, ranging from international sporting fixtures to community and cultural gatherings.

Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says the events attracted over 3.4-million spectators and participants.
South Africa
Financial Indicators
Home Affairs Department and HONOR launch Digital Lab at Umdlamfe Secondary
The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, handed over a fully equipped computer laboratory to the Umdlamfe Secondary School in Esikhawini, in Richards Bay, as part of government’s Back-To-School Programme.

The high-tech laboratory was established through a partnership between the Department of Home Affairs and global technology brand HONOR South Africa, which supplied the laptops for the facility.

The initiative aims to enhance digital literacy and support skills development among learners.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Nzuza described the initiative as a crucial step towards preparing learners for the demands of the 21st century. He says access to digital learning would help bridge the digital divide, particularly in previously disadvantaged communities, while positioning learners to participate meaningfully in the growing artificial intelligence space.
Local: 150 words (47%), National: 166 words (53%), International: 0 words (0%)