Sandton and Gauteng

1. The Old Lions Cricket Club hosted its first-ever Junior Awards Ceremony at the Dainfern Bottom Oval, recognizing the achievements of the club’s junior players, who have shown commitment, dedication, and excellence in the sporting field.

The club was launched in 2022 with the goal of establishing a club cricket presence in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg

Several awards were handed out to the junior boys: U9, U11, and U13 teams, with a certificate of excellence awarded for bowler, batsman, and player of the season.
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2. The University of the Freestate is setting a new benchmark for excellence in higher education, through the launch of the advanced Versius Surgical Robotic System, making robotic surgery accessible to both both private and public hospitals.

The introduction of the system marks a giant leap towards shaping the future of surgery and patient care.

The head of Surgery at the University of the Freestate Dr Leony Fourie..
Clip 2 - Dr Leony Fourie - robotic system

The African Astronomical Society's 2025 Conference took place at the University of South Africa bringing together experts, researchers, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

The hybrid event celebrates Africa's growing contributions to astronomy, featuring cutting-edge scientific advancements, impactful outreach, and exciting youth initiatives.

AfAS executive committee member, Dr. Sinenhlanhla Sikhosana...

The government has officially opened applications for the 500 million rand Spaza Shop Support Fund. This is aimed at boosting South African-owned spaza shops in townships and remote areas. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, emphasised that the initiative is designed to stimulate job creation, promote economic inclusion, and empower local entrepreneurs. The fund will be jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund and Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency. SOUND

City Power has launched a R15 million solar-powered streetlight project in Midrand, Glen Austin, and nearby areas. The initiative aims at improving public safety, lower maintenance costs, and reduce infrastructure theft. Group Chief Financial Officer Tebogo Moraka says the project supports Johannesburg’s broader push to meet infrastructure demands in fast-growing urban zones. City Power plans to implement energy-efficient upgrades to modernize the city's power systems. SOUND

Jordy Smith of South Africa is celebrating his win after completing in the Surf City El Salvador Pro. Smith overcame fellow South African Matthew Mc Gillivray, securing his 7th Championship Tour victory. Smith has been surfing on the World Surf League Tour for 18 years starting back in 2008. Now aged 37 and the oldest man on tour Smith walked away with his first title in eight years.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will be launching the provincial Easter Road Safety Campaign on the N12 Highway in Slovo Park, Johannesburg today. Easter weekend is one of the busiest on South Africa’s roads, often resulting in a spike in accidents and fatalities. The department’s spokesperson, Lesiba Mpya, says they are committed to ensuring that road deaths are minimised during the Easter period:

South Africa's second lady, Humile Mashatile, says she is pleased with organisation such as The Pink Forum’s children’s outreach programme making a difference in children's lives. Mashatile and deputy minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, in partnership with the forum handed over one-thousand-200 pairs of school shoes, sanitary pads to learners at Mashemong Primary School, Tembisa, Ekurhuleni. Mashatile says through this collaborative effort, they aim to uplift and empower young learners, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed:
Clip 2 Humile Mashatile

# Western Cape Department of Education, David Maynier says nominations for the 2025 National Teaching Awards are now open until 16 May this year. The National Teaching Awards give the province the opportunity to celebrate teaching excellence, and to appreciate the outstanding work done by teachers in public schools each year. Maynier says all teachers, School Governing Bodies, and district officials are invited to submit nominations to their principals or centre managers:
Clip 3 David Maynier

The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation has launched a skills development programme aimed at bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation of creators. This initiative focuses on providing young people with essential digital skills, fostering innovation, and enhancing employability in the rapidly evolving digital economy. By creating opportunities for youth to access training and technology, the Foundation's Gugu Monthlante hopes the initiative can ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age:
Clip 1 Gugu Monthlante

The government has officially opened applications for the highly anticipated R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, aimed at boosting the participation of South African-owned spaza shops in townships and remote areas.
Speaking at the launch event in Soweto earlier this week, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, emphasised that the initiative is designed to stimulate job creation, promote economic inclusion, and empower local entrepreneurs.
The fund will be jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency:
Clip 2 Parks Tau

Airbnb has announced the latest recipients of its Community Fund grants, benefitting over 160 organisations across more than 30 countries and six continents.
The Community Fund, aims to provide direct support to local communities and their residents.
Every year, Airbnb collaborates closely with its hosts to identify pressing local issues and to help select various non-profit organisations that are deserving of financial aid.

1. The Gauteng Spelling Bee competition was held at the Soshanguve Secure Care Centre, where over 100 learners from 10 Child and Youth Care Centers participated.

The event aimed to enhance literacy, boost vocabulary, and improve communication skills while fostering confidence and self-esteem among young participants.

A dedicated spelling bee committee, consisting of child and youth care workers from various institutions, continues to work on developing young minds by promoting cognitive growth through engaging and friendly competition.

2. Government has officially opened applications for the highly anticipated R500m support fund that aims to increase participation of South African-owned spaza shops in townships and remote areas.

Addressing the launch of the Spaza Shop Support Fund in Soweto earlier this week,
the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the fund will help create jobs, and promote economic inclusion and empowerment.

The fund will be jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency

3. Boxing has been included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics programme, following a unanimous vote from the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC last month granted provisional recognition to World Boxing, in a major step toward the sport's inclusion in the LA Games.

Boxing President Boris van der Vorst had this to say..

Clip 2 - Boris van der Vorst - Olympics Boxing

Johannesburg Water is building a new 30-meter high water tower and a pump station that can carry 2 million litres of water.
The water tower is located in Midrand at the Erand Reservoir site, which will serve areas like Carlswald, Blue Hills, Kyalami and Barbeque Downs.
The 92-million rands project is 60% complete. The conclusion of the remaining 40% will see a boost of water pressure and enough clean water stored for emergencies.

City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero alongside Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams have launched R500 Million Rands Spaza Shop Support Fund to help local small businesses in SOWETO.
The event took place in Soweto, at the Heritage Hall.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement in November 2024.
This initiative is aimed at growing township economies and fixing past economic exclusion.
The fund will be managed by the National Empowerment Fund and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency.

South African singer and songwriter Lloyiso will perform his first-ever headline show in London on 15 April 2025 at the iconic Camden Assembly.
Known for his soulful voice and emotional lyrics, Lloyiso will bring his unique sound to a venue that has hosted music legends like Adele, Coldplay, and Oasis.
This performance marks a major milestone in his growing international career and offers UK fans a rare chance to experience his music live.
Lloyiso described the show as a dream come true and shared his excitement about performing in a city that feels like a “home away from home.”
The event is not only a personal achievement for the artist but also a proud moment for South African music, as he carries the spirit and talent of Mzansi onto a world stage.