News Bulletin of 9 January 2026, 3pm

Headline 1
Medical Breakthrough in Cardiac Care
Story 1
South African doctors have reached a new medical milestone with the successful implantation of the country’s first leadless pacemaker. The procedure was performed in late November at Netcare Unitas Hospital in Centurion. Cardiologist Dr Jean Vorster and electrophysiologist Dr Jane Moses implanted the AVEIR™ VR device, which differs from traditional pacemakers by being placed entirely inside the lower right ventricle of the heart. The micro-technology measures just 38mm, monitors electrical impulses and helps regulate heart rhythm.

Story 1 category
Headline 2
Junior Proteas Prepare for ICC Under-19 World Cup
Story 2
South Africa’s Junior Proteas are set to showcase their talent at the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, starting 16 January in Windhoek.Captain Muhammad Bulbulia leads the squad, which will face Afghanistan, West Indies and Tanzania in Group D.The team recently completed a Youth ODI series against India, sharpening skills and building confidence. Head coach Malibongwe Maketa says the team has focused on training and match preparation to strengthen performance ahead of the tournament.

Story 2 category
Headline 3
Dance Career and Community Impact
Story 3
Sasch Cornelissen began dancing at the age of six, developing his skills from an early stage and building a professional, international career over time. He is now using that experience to support and inspire young people in High dedal Bloemfontein and surrounding communities. According to Cornelissen, dance has changed significantly with the growth of modern technology. Platforms such as TikTok have created new opportunities for young dancers to showcase their talent to wider audiences.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.53 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 0.00 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at Error per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 90,305.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Sheep Invade German Supermarket
Teaser / Tailpiece story
A flock of sheep have made their way into a grocery store in Burgsinn, Germany. A humorous video captured the moment around 50 sheep caused chaos for staff and shoppers.Footage shows the animals entering through the main doors before racing through the aisles, forcing customers and employees to climb onto checkout conveyor belts. The sheep were eventually removed, but the store was left in disarray with products scattered and smashed. Shepherd, Dieter Michler, believes the sheep were distracted by acorns lying along the roadside and stopped to eat them during the crossing, leading to the unexpected supermarket visit.
Split analysis
Local: 151 words (67%), National: 76 words (33%), International: 0 words (0%)