Good News

BULLETIN 15 March 

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# The National Research Foundation says the new South African isotope facility is a game-changer in the country’s efforts to increase the production of life-saving nuclear medicine, as well as increasing pertinent research and training. The facility is based at the iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences in Cape Town. The foundation’s CEO, Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, says the facility will enable South Africa to extend research into the sub-atomic physics and disciplines including space science, nanoscience and other technology:

# Tshwane University of Technology was recently awarded the Key Status by the world’s largest collegiate honour society, the Golden Key International Honours Society. The organisation was started in South Africa in 2000 and utilises a set of high standards to evaluate participation and adherence to its pillars of scholarship, career development, leadership and community service. TUT’s professor, Ben van Wyk, says the university’s Golden Key initiative opens the door for students to become part of an international community and a network comprising more than 400 institutions across the world.

# The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure together with the Construction Industry Development Board, have launched the B.U.I.L.D Programme. This initiative aims to advance South Africa’s construction industry, promote inclusive development, and open doors for emerging contractors. Public Works deputy minister, Bernice Swarts, says the empowerment of women and youth is also crucial for the construction sector:

# Rugby: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth was named 2023 men’s Player of the Year at the SA Rugby Awards in Johannesburg. He is only the second player to win the award back-to-back. Bok wing Canan Moodie won Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Libbie Janse van Rensburg walked away with the Springbok Women and Provincial Player of the Year awards. Ricardo Duarttee won Springbok men’s Sevens Player of the Year, and former Bok coach Jacques Nienaber won Coach of the Year.

# And finally: Today is World Sleep Day, a day to highlight the significance of good quality sleep for overall well-being. This year’s theme is Sleep Equity for Global Health. According to the American Sleep Association, over 50- to 70-million people have some type of sleeping disorder. The World Sleep Society says today people are encouraged to reflect on their sleeping patterns and make suitable possible changes to take rest. It says this can include creating a new sleep schedule and doing some relaxation exercises before bedtime.

Stay tuned for more news………….