News Bulletin of 7 July 2025, 3pm

A Johannesburg-based nonprofit, The Link, is helping young learners improve in reading and maths through one-on-one support.
Founded in 2010 by late schoolteacher Margi Bashall, the organisation is now led by coordinator Maggie Fussell and overseen by the Link Trust, chaired by Tim Bashall.
To date, over 8,000 children have received support, with literacy levels improving by up to 31% across 18 centres.
Teachers say children return from sessions more confident and eager to learn.
With strong community backing and volunteer power, The Link continues to make a measurable difference in education.

Beninese music legend and five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo will become the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce named Kidjo among the 2026 honourees, joining global stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Timothée Chalamet, Miley Cyrus, and Deepika Padukone.
With a career spanning 40 years and 16 albums, Kidjo is also a passionate advocate for African women and girls through UNICEF and the Batonga Foundation.
Her new star celebrates her trailblazing contributions to music and activism on the world stage.

Unit 4 at Medupi Power Station has returned to service nearly four years after going offline, adding 800 megawatts to South Africa’s national grid.
This return comes eight months earlier than planned after repairs following an explosion in 2021.
With all six units now operational, Medupi’s total capacity will reach 4,800 megawatts once each unit hits full output.
Eskom calls this a major step forward in strengthening the country’s energy security and stabilising the power supply.