Good News

BULLETIN 24 January

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# South Africa’s short film The Last Ranger has been nominated for best live-action short film at the 97th Academy Awards. Directed by Cindy Lee, the isiXhosa-language film explores rhino poaching and conservation efforts through the journey of a ranger and a young boy. Since its release, the film has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the Green Fire Award at the American Conservation Film Festival and Best Short Narrative at the San Diego International Film Festival. The awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, will take place on 2 March.

More news from the Oscars: With a total of 13 nominations, the French production of the Spanish-language film, Emilia Pérez, has become the most nominated foreign film in Oscar history. The film follows a Mexican cartel leader who enlists a lawyer to help him disappear by transitioning into a woman. There will be ten movies vying for the title of best picture at this year’s Academy Awards. Joining Emilia Pérez will be Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Wicked.

# The University of Pretoria has improved its score in 22 out of 31 subjects in the latest Times Higher Education Subject Rankings. Overall, the number of subjects in which the university is ranked number one in South Africa increased from three in 2024 to six this year. The subjects are Accounting and Finance, Architecture, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Law, Sport Science, and Veterinary Science. The university’s vice-chancellor, professor Francis Petersen, says this achievement is a testament to the intuition’s multifaceted excellence.

# The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa has partnered with Book Dash to increase book accessibility and improve literacy in South Africa. The association’s 2024 survey on book ownership revealed that 31-percent of respondents own fewer than ten books. The association’s executive director, Jane Molony, says they will support Book Dash’s 2025 campaign that aims to make books more accessible to young readers. Book Dash has already distributed over 4.5-million books to children across the country, and creates books in multiple local languages.

# And finally: The iconic Cape Town Met horse racing event is set to draw both sports fans and social butterflies to the Kenilworth Racecourse tomorrow. This year’s theme is Couture Unleashed, merging avant-garde artistry with timeless elegance. Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says now in its 163rd year, the event gathers attendees to witness the world’s finest thoroughbreds compete for glory, amidst a dazzling display of style and entertainment:

Stay tuned for more news………….