Good News

BULLETIN 29 October 

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# With summer approaching, South Africa’s beaches shine as award-winning destinations of environmental excellence. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa has announced the 2024/’25 Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards, recognizing 48 beaches, four marinas, and seven tourism boats for their commitment to sustainability. Newcomer Pennington Beach in KwaZulu-Natal joined the Blue Flag family, while pilot beaches like Paternoster on the West Coast strive for certification. The awards celebrate community-driven conservation efforts, showcasing South Africa’s dedication to preserving its coastal treasures for future generations.

# The Huguenot Tunnel upgrade project between Worcester and Paarl, estimated at 4.5-billion-rand, aims to boost the Western Cape economy. The project could enhance transport efficiency and create much-needed job opportunities. It also includes a new north-bound tunnel, expected to open in three years, and a one-year closure for upgrades on the south bound tunnel. With 500 construction jobs created, the project will benefit sectors like agriculture.

# Athletics clubs in the Western Cape have united in support of the families of Working on Fire through a fundraising drive. Pinelands, Hewat, Bredasdorp, and Atlantic Athletic Clubs raised ten-thousand-rand and collected essential items like sanitary products and stationery. These contributions will be included in end-of-year care packages for firefighters’ children, recognising the sacrifices these community heroes make. Working on Fire extended deep gratitude to the clubs, affirming the positive impact of their kindness.

# A woman who went missing on a solo hike in Australia’s Snowy Mountains was found dazed and injured, after suffering a suspected snake bite while missing for nearly two weeks. Authorities conducted a search for six days. The 48-year-old Lovisa Sjoberg was found on a bush trail in the Kosciuszko National Park, southwest of the capital, Canberra. Police say she was fortunate to be alive after a suspected bite by a venomous copperhead. It can deliver a painful and potentially deadly bite.

 # And finally: American scientists have developed a commercial device for people struggling to sleep, without having to revert to sleeping pills. The team from Massachusetts Institute of Technology describes the invention as a minimally disruptive headband which is in reality an EEG that sends audio waves to better align the brain regions to help the onset of sleep. GoodNewsNetwork reports a small study found people normally struggling fell asleep 10- to 15-minutes faster when wearing the headband, called Elemind.

Stay tuned for more news………….