News Bulletin of 8 May 2026, 11am

Sinead de Wet has earned South Africa Protea colours and claimed silver at the African Championships. This marks a major breakthrough in her rhythmic gymnastics career. The Grade 10 learner from Michael Mount Waldorf School in Sandton qualified for both the African Championships and the World Championships. This took place after impressive performances at national trials in Kempton Park in March. Her achievement comes just a year after narrowly missing qualification, highlighting the discipline, resilience, and determination that helped propel her onto the international stage.

At just 17, Liberty Sibanyoni from Greenside High School is quickly emerging as one of the school’s top chess talents. He reached the position of second-highest ranked player just two years after first learning the game. Sibanyoni only discovered chess in Grade 9 through curiosity, later teaching himself by watching videos and studying the game in his free time.Sibanyoni has participated in school tournaments that span several days and has represented Greenside High in local chess leagues. One of his proudest moments came when he defeated a teacher he had long admired.

The World Health Organization has approved the first malaria treatment specifically designed for infants, offering a safer option for babies weighing under five kilograms. The drug is intended to reduce risks associated with using medicines made for older children. Health officials say the approval will help improve access to treatment in malaria-affected regions, particularly across Africa where the disease burden is highest. Children under five remain the most affected group, accounting for the majority of malaria-related deaths worldwide.