News Bulletin of 8 May 2026, 7am

Honouring Women in Tech
Women driving innovation in South Africa’s ICT sector were celebrated in Johannesburg at the 2026 Wired4Women Awards. These awards recognise excellence in leadership, mentorship, and technology. The awards highlighted women making a difference in artificial intelligence, coding, and digital design, while also encouraging women to pursue careers in the tech industry. Organisers say the initiative is focused on growing mentorship opportunities, strengthening inclusion, and creating long-term pathways for women in ICT.
Sandton and Gauteng
Silver and National Colours
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.
Sandton and Gauteng
From Taxi Driver to Maritime Leader
From driving taxis in a township to becoming one of South Africa’s most respected maritime leaders, Captain Rufus Lekala has turned perseverance into success.Lekala is now preparing to graduate with a Master’s degree in Maritime Studies from University of KwaZulu-Natal — a major milestone in a journey built on resilience, hard work, and determination.His story is a powerful reminder that no starting point is too small to achieve extraordinary things.Lekala tells the youth to pursue careers they genuinely love rather than those chosen out of convenience or pressure.

South Africa
Financial Indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.50 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 4,645.60 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 79,644.00.
Attenborough turns 100
Today is David Attenborough's 100th birthday. One of the most memorable moments of his broadcasting career remains his encounter with a playful family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda. In the 1979 documentary series Life on Earth, he famously said, "There is more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with a gorilla than any other animal I know,". The scene became iconic, highlighting the deep connection between humans and the natural world. To mark the milestone, Sir David has taken part in two documentaries reflecting on that extraordinary encounter and the later story of the gorilla family.


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