News Bulletin of 8 December 2025, 1pm

Time Square at Menlyn Main in Pretoria East switched on its annual Christmas lights on Friday, bringing festive cheer to visitors until 4 January 2026.
The lights were officially switched on by Miss South Africa First Princess Luyanda Zuma and Time Square food and beverages manager Preshan Pillay.
Visitors can wander through a stunning festive light garden and capture memories at specially designed photo spots.
The celebrations feature enchanting decorations and festive music throughout the period with a highlight concert, the Christmas Spectacular featuring a full orchestra, South African artists and the Magaliesberg Children’s Choir, taking place on 16 December.

Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube officially opened four major infrastructure projects at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.
The R600 million upgrades, funded through the Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant, the Sibusiso Bengu Development Programme, and UNIVEN’s own resources, include the Health Sciences building, the main administration block, an Advanced Nursing Science Simulation Building, and a road and bridge connecting the campus to the town centre.
The improvements enhance student learning, support research, and strengthen campus accessibility and administrative efficiency.

Archaeologists in Tanis, Egypt, have uncovered 225 rare funerary figurines in a royal tomb, a discovery not seen at the site since 1946.
The figurines were carefully arranged to serve the deceased in the afterlife, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian culture.
Experts confirmed the tomb belonged to Pharaoh Shoshenq III, solving a long-standing historical mystery. More than half of the figurines are female, making the find even more exceptional.
The treasures will be studied and displayed in an Egyptian museum, allowing the public to connect with thousands of years of history and heritage.