News Bulletin of 9 February 2026, 3pm

Headline 1
Pitso Ya Kalaneng Festival Showcases Emerging Theatre Talent in Johannesburg
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The third edition of the Pitso Ya Kalaneng 2026 Festival took place at the Wits Theatre Complex in Johannesburg, offering a dynamic mix of theatre, dance and music from emerging South African creatives.
The platform gives up and coming theatre makers the chance to showcase bold new work under the theme “A Call to the Theatre,” with performances staged across multiple venues on the Wits campus.
Wits lecturer Kamogelo Molobye says the festival has grown over the years, exploring a variety of themes and giving artists space to connect with audiences through live performance.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Community Responds to Blanket Appeal for Vulnerable Newborns
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After an urgent appeal for knitted and crocheted blankets, non-profit organisation Bless a Baby is receiving overwhelming support to help vulnerable infants start life warm and cared for.
The organisation distributes bags filled with essentials, including clothing, blankets, and care items, to ensure newborns are wrapped in comfort and dignity.
Nutty Knitters recently delivered 54 blankets, along with bags of baby clothes and toys, while local community members have also contributed.
Bless a Baby says the response highlights the generosity of supporters and will help meet the growing need for infant care.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Flourish Programme Empowers Mothers in Boksburg
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Mothers and moms-to-be in Boksburg can now join Flourish, a free five-week programme offering practical guidance, confidence-building activities, and emotional support throughout pregnancy and early motherhood.
Hosted at Reiger Park Library from February 17, sessions run twice a week, both in person and online, covering topics from nutrition and breastfeeding to birth preparation and financial guidance.
Programme host Phindile Sibeko says Flourish helps mothers build skills, reduce stress, and form lasting support networks, while also offering job guidance and referrals for additional support where needed.
Flourish is part of the Grow Great campaign, aiming to give every child the best start in life.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.03 to the US Dollar, 21.85 to the British Pound, and 19.03 To the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,007.88 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 68.05 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 69,086.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Brazilian sets 24-hour treadmill record
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Brazilian endurance athlete Pepe Fiamoncini has set a new Guinness World Record by running non-stop on a treadmill for 24 hours.
The 35-year-old covered 188 kilometres, more than four marathons, at an open-air gym on Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema beach, taking only brief breaks to change shoes or use the bathroom.
Fiamoncini says he wanted to test his mental limits with what he calls the most boring challenge imaginable. He previously completed extreme ultra-distance events, including a 170-kilometre run across Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flats.
Officials monitored the treadmill run via livestream, marking his third Guinness World Record. Fiamoncini began tackling extreme endurance challenges during the Covid pandemic and continues to push both his physical and mental stamina.
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Local: 195 words (68%), National: 91 words (32%), International: 0 words (0%)