News Bulletin of 9 March 2026, 5pm

Headline 1
University of Pretoria Tops National Creative Research Rankings
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The University of Pretoria has, for the first time, secured the top national position in South Africa in the 2024 Department of Higher Education and Training Creative Research Outputs evaluation.
UP was praised for consistent, high-quality submissions across music, fine arts, design, and other creative fields. In music, it ranked first nationally, while in fine arts it placed fifth.
Professor Sunil Maharaj said the achievement shows that investment in the creative arts strengthens the University’s national competitiveness.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Cape Town Patient Thanks Cardiac Team with Gifts After Recovery
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Nazeem Davids, a patient at Groote Schuur Hospital, recently surprised his cardiac team with 40 gift packs to thank them for their care and support during his heart health struggles.
Over the past few years, Davids faced several serious heart scares, requiring multiple visits to the hospital and its cardiac ICU.
Thanks to the dedication and expertise of surgeons, nurses, radiologists, and all support staff, he has made a full recovery. To show his gratitude, he personally delivered gift packs to everyone involved in his care, including clerks, cleaners, and the cath lab team.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
Crossroads School Learners Spread Kindness with Sandwiches
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Learners at Crossroads School recently came together to make peanut butter and jam sandwiches, adding handwritten notes filled with encouragement and warm wishes.
The sandwiches were packed to go home with families, who were encouraged to hand them out to people in need on their way home.
Organisers say the initiative helps teach students empathy, generosity, and community care, showing how small gestures can make a meaningful difference.
Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 16.55 to the US Dollar, 22.34 to the British Pound, and 19.33 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 5,097.08 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 92.69 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 68,873.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Namibia Launches Africa’s First Commercial Salmon Farm
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Namibia has launched its first commercial sea-based salmon farming project with support from Norwegian partners, becoming Africa’s first industrial-scale Atlantic salmon producer.
The African Aquaculture Company (AAC) imported salmon eggs from Europe for trial acclimatisation at a hatchery in South Africa. The eggs were then transported 1,200 kilometres to floating cages off Luderitz begin operations.
Senior government official Kaire Mbuende said the project would create jobs, support the economy, and strengthen the fishing industry.
Split analysis
Local: 77 words (32%), National: 161 words (68%), International: 0 words (0%)