News Bulletin of 9 May 2025, 7am

The Sandton Convention Centre was buzzing with anticipation last week as hundreds of comedy enthusiasts gathered for the grand opening of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. The three-day comedic extravaganza, featuring a stellar lineup of national and local comedians and a roast of Democratic Alliance federal chairperson Helen Zille. The stage was graced by the likes of Griffi, known for his sharp wit and observations. He was joined by the dynamic Rob van Vuuren. Coleste Ntuli brought her unique perspective to the stage, while veteran comedian Isaac Gampu entertained the crowd.

Cape Town will host the first-ever Thrive by WHX event in September 2025. This global health and wellness experience aims to make the city,Africa’s wellness capital. The event will feature workouts, expert talks, and new health technology. Rugby players like Bryan Habana, and author Dr Joshua Awesome will speak. The focus will be on health, sport, and wellness for all.

Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the first US-born pontiff and will be known as Pope Leo the 14th. Leo made his first remarks as pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in front of tens of thousands of onlookers, calling for peace and paying tribute to the late Pope Francis. Leo, a 69-year-old from Chicago, is a leader with global experience. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and holds dual citizenship in the US and Peru, where he served as a bishop. He most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments. He is expected to build on Pope Francis’ reforms. SOUND