News Bulletin of 8 September 2025, 6pm

Learners at Mayibuye Primary School in Midrand are starting the term on a brighter note after receiving 500 pairs of school shoes and stationery sets.
The donation was made by Making A Difference South Africa together with a corporate partner as part of its one thousand pairs for Mandela campaign.
The organisation has already distributed more than 20 000 pairs of shoes to schools in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal and has provided millions of rand in disaster relief.
Founder Chan Naidoo says the gift of school shoes gives learners dignity and confidence, helping them to excel in the classroom and build better futures.

The three-day Cape Town Open Book Festival wrapped up on Sunday, uniting authors, journalists, and thought leaders for panels, discussions, and performances.
Organisers praised the public support that made the event possible, highlighting its role as a space for dialogue, creativity, and community.
Panels featured writers including Antjie Krog, Mohale Mashigo, Yaaseen Barnes, and Gabe Gabriel, with topics ranging from literature to “Queer Celebrations.”
The festival also hosted the City of Cape Town’s annual writing competition, with over 200 entries from learners across 68 schools and 40 libraries. Winners received masterclasses and publication opportunities.

Krystyna Locke, a cancer survivor, is raising funds to cover parking fees for patients at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Center in Ontario, Canada. Some hospitals charge up to CAD$12 a day, roughly R186, and a six-month treatment can cost thousands of rands in parking alone.
Locke, who battled lymphoma for 20 years and is now cancer-free, sets up a booth around her birthday with vouchers and a sign saying, “Happy Birthday to me, your parking is free.”
Her generosity has lifted stress from patients and families, with over R77,500 raised (over $5,000 CAD).
Locke plans to return each year to continue the initiative, showing how one person’s kindness can make a real difference.