News Bulletin of 9 January 2026, 4pm

Athletics South Africa has dispatched a 28-member team to the United States for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, The event will take place tommorow in Tallahassee, Florida, USA .The South Africans will compete against the world’s top distance runners in several races. This includes the senior men’s and women’s 10km events, the U20 men’s 8km, the U20 women’s 6km, and the senior mixed 4x2km relay. Team coach Violet Semenya says the squad has the depth and experience to be competitive, especially in the senior events.

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.

Jesmine Davids from Ridgeway, has been named the national New Talent Designer at the Fashion Industry Awards South Africa.The award recognises years of hands-on training, steady growth, and a design career built on practical skills. Davids began by tailoring school uniforms in high school, which grew into her first small business. After matric, she completed a dressmaking internship and later graduated from the University of Johannesburg with a fashion qualification. Her early production skills and consistent output earned her a Young Designer nomination at South African Fashion Week in 2019 and opened doors to professional opportunities.