News Bulletin of 8 May 2026, 9am

The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town is marking 70 years of dedicated paediatric care.Founded on the principle that every child deserves care regardless of background, income, or race, the hospital has become a symbol of public service and collective commitment. The Children’s Hospital Trust has launched a R70 million fundraising campaign aimed at supporting the next 70 years of life-saving care for children.The hospital treats around 250,000 children annually. Over seven decades, that amounts to an estimated 17.5 million young lives.The cases are often complex and severe, ranging from congenital heart disease and cancer to trauma, burns, and neurosurgical conditions referred from across sub-Saharan Africa.

Residents of Norwood and Orange Grove came together on Freedom Day to take a stand against drug abuse and social challenges affecting local youth.Community members and young people marched through the streets, singing songs, chanting slogans, and carrying banners promoting a drug-free future. Participants also wore T-shirts with messages discouraging substance abuse and encouraging support for vulnerable members of the community. Organisers said the march aimed to raise awareness and unite different sectors of society around the fight against addiction and social harm.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department arrested 252 motorists for driving under the influence during a week-long crackdown aimed at improving road safety across Johannesburg.The arrests were made between April 27 and May 3 through intensified roadblocks and mobile stop-and-search operations conducted in areas including the inner city, Sandton, Soweto, and Midrand.Officials said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to reduce alcohol-related accidents and make roads safer for all motorists and pedestrians.