Good News

BULLETIN 12 August 2 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# The closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris had everything, including Tom Cruise wowing the audience with a few epic stunts. The Mission: Impossible star, dressed in a leather jacket and gloves, abseiled off the Stade de France’s roof. Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed and H.E.R. sang the US national anthem, to mark the handover to Los Angeles, which will host the Olympics in 2028. The ceremony was orchestrated by artistic director Thomas Jolly and executive director Thierry Reboul.

# Disney has bestowed legends status to 14 artists, including actors Harrison Ford and Angela Bassett, singer Miley Cyrus, and director James Cameron. The company says the artists have had a significant impact on Disney’s legacy. Past honourees include Christina Aguilera, Stan Lee, Betty White and Oprah Winfrey. Disney also honoured six behind-the-scenes creatives who have contributed to groundbreaking films, art, and Disney experiences. They include Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood, and prominent animator Mark Henn.

# The elusive artist Banksy has confirmed he painted swimming piranhas onto a City of London Police sentry box, which was first spotted yesterday morning. Crowds gathered to take photos until barriers were installed, preventing people from going inside. This is his seventh new artwork to be revealed in the capital in as many days, following a goat, monkeys, elephants, a wolf, pelicans and a cat. Banksy apparently hopes the uplifting works will cheer people up and underline the human capacity for creative play, rather than for destruction and negativity.

# The University of Johannesburg recently launched the Women anthology, a book that features essays, personal anecdotes, and thought pieces contributed by prominent South African leaders, activists, scholars, and policymakers. Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi says the book delves into the multifaceted experiences of womanhood, exploring both the achievements and challenges that women face today. The book includes contributions from esteemed leaders such as professor Zeblon Vilakazi, and the founder of Brand Africa, Thebe Ikalafeng.

# And finally, cyclist and founder of Ga-Rankuwa Cycling Against Substance Abuse, Victor Phiri, has collected 270 pairs of school shoes, which will be donated to schools in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria. Last year, over 500 pairs of shoes were distributed. Phiri says for many children, receiving a pair of proper school shoes not only boosts their self-confidence but also alleviates the embarrassment of inadequate footwear. He adds that they want to expand their focus to include providing sanitary towels for girls in schools.

Stay tuned for more news………….