News Bulletin of 7 September 2026, 9am

Headline 1
Charity Launches Christmas Drive for Children
Story 1
Charity Begins With Me has launched its annual Christmas donation drive for about one-thousand children in Johannesburg.
The charity is collecting stationery, soft toys and non-perishable treats.
Founder Stephan Ferreira says donations will be packed as Christmas gifts and used to help children prepare for the new school year.
Donations can be dropped off in Fairland or sent by courier, with more information available on the Charity Begins With Me Facebook page.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Free State Learners Test Technical Skills
Story 2
More than 160 learners and teachers in the Free State have put their technical skills to the test in a provincial competition.
A total of 103 learners and 63 teachers competed in trades including construction, automotive, woodwork, plumbing, electrical work and welding.
The provincial winners will represent the Free State at the national competition.
Free State Education MEC, Dr Mamaki Maboya says the province has increased the number of schools that offer technical subjects:
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Story 2 category
Headline 3
Miss Earth Plants 125 Trees in Joburg
Story 3
Miss Earth South Africa has planted 125 trees in Johannesburg during Arbor Week, which runs from 1 to 7 September, involving schoolchildren in tree-planting activities.
Learners from Mondeor Primary, Forest Hill Primary and Emma Broscius Preschool joined the programme, with children from Grade R to Grade 7 taking part.
The trees were donated by Marriott International, while Miss Earth finalists have also been planting trees at community sites since mid-August.
The initiative aims to green community spaces and teach young people about caring for the environment.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 15.95 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,430.30 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 79,335.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Pirates Supporters Donate 4,000 School Shoes
Teaser / Tailpiece story
The Greater Sebokeng Orlando Pirates Supporters have donated 4,000 pairs of school shoes to learners at Siviwe Primary School.
The supporters’ branch held the charity drive last week as part of its ongoing community initiatives.
Branch spokesperson Mzwakhe Zondo says poor-quality school shoes can affect learners’ confidence in the classroom.
Split analysis
Local: 82 words (36%), National: 144 words (64%), International: 0 words (0%)