News Bulletin of 9 February 2026, 1pm

The University of Pretoria has launched a new research chair to study how South Africa can move from coal to cleaner energy without losing jobs or raising costs for communities.
The chair will be led by Professor Roula Inglesi-Lotz, working with Germany’s RWTH Aachen University, and will focus on research to guide government policy during the shift to renewable power.
The programme will also support master’s and doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career academics through training and international collaboration.

The Investing in African Mining Indaba has opened today in Cape Town.
The conference highlights Africa’s growing role in supplying critical minerals for clean energy and gives investors the chance to explore projects, meet decision-makers and build partnerships that reduce risk and support sustainable development.
Government officials, mining executives and investors are gathering for four days of discussions, deal-making and innovation.

South African middle-distance runner Tshepo Tshite has kicked off his 2026 campaign in top form, breaking the national 3,000-metre short track record before claiming victory in Madrid days later.
The 29-year-old clocked 7:38.17 at the Czech Indoor Gala in Ostrava to slice more than a second off the previous mark, then followed it up with a win at the World Indoor Tour Gold meeting in 7:39.11.
Tshite says his preparations have focused on building endurance as he shifts attention to the 5,000 metres ahead of the ASA National Championships in Stellenbosch.