Good News

BULLETIN 25 March 

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# Stellenbosch University has awarded internationally acclaimed South African jazz musician, composer and songwriter, Jonathan Butler, with an honorary doctorate. He was honoured for his musical influence and contributions to arts and culture, and his dedication to creating platforms that ensure access to the arts for young people from marginalised communities. In his acceptance speech, Butler said this moment is a dream fulfilled, one that has come through beyond anything he could ever ask, think or imagine:

Meanwhile, the University of the Witwatersrand will confer honorary doctorates to three distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education, economic research and law. The esteemed recipients are South African Institute of Distance Education founding director, Jennifer Glennie, renowned African economist, professor Ernest Aryeetey, and leading legal philosopher and author, professor David Dyzenhaus. Wits vice-chancellor professor Zeblon Vilakazi says these three remarkable individuals have made lasting contributions to their respective fields, advancing knowledge, research, and policy that benefit society at large. 

# Iconic South African singer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, collaborated with Shoprite Sixty60 to deliver essential food items to elderly residents in Soweto to commemorate her 60th birthday. The bags, packed with essential food items, were a heartfelt gift for elderly residents who have been an integral part of Soweto’s history. Chaka Chaka told Newzroom Afrika that the celebrations will continue with a concert featuring special guests on the sixth of April:

# The Department of Military Veterans will launch seven publications documenting the experiences of veterans in the liberation struggle at Freedom Park in Pretoria this week. As part of the Military Veterans Oral History Project, the initiative seeks to restore dignity, honour contributions, and affirm veterans’ role in South Africa’s democracy. In addition, the delegates will discuss veterans’ impact on the nation’s democratic journey. Deputy minister Richard Mkhungo will officiate the event, emphasising the importance of preserving history.

# And finally: For the second consecutive year, Naperville in Illinois has been ranked as the best city to live in in America. This is according to Niche’s 2025 Best Places to Live in America report. The rankings are based on a wide range of public data sources, including user reviews and public records. The report says factors driving Naperville to the top include that it is the best place to raise a family, buy a house and get a job. Second on the list is The Woodlands, Texas, followed by Cambridge in Massachusetts.

Stay tuned for more news………….