Good News

BULLETIN 19 May

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# South African artist Marlene Dumas has set a new world record for the most expensive work sold by a living female artist. Her 1997 painting, Miss January, sold for approximately 245-million-rand at Christie’s New York auction. The 280-centimetre-tall portrait surpassed the previous record held by Jenny Saville’s Propped in 2018. Dumas, who began her art career in Cape Town before moving to the Netherlands, has steadily built an international reputation. This landmark sale highlights the growing recognition of female artists in the global art market

# South African Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla will host this year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, becoming the first African to host the award show. The 23-year-old, whose real name is Laura Seethal, is nominated for favourite global music star and favourite music collaboration for Show Me Love with WizTheMc and Bees and Honey. Leading the pack with four nominations each are Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and Selena Gomez. The award ceremony will be held in Santa Monica, California, on June 21st.

# Final Destination Bloodlines, the sixth instalment in the horror-thriller franchise, topped the North American box office in its opening weekend. The film stars Kaitlyn Santa Juana as a young woman who discovers that her grandmother was able to cheat death and save numerous lives, although with frightening consequences. Disney and Marvel’s Thunderbolts slipped to second with Ryan Coogler‘s Sinners, now in its fifth weekend, in third. A Minecraft Movie came in fourth with The Accountant, starring Ben Affleck, rounding out the top five.

# The University of Limpopo says it is making significant strides in education through its Adopt a School programme. The programme aims to connect classroom theory with real-world experience while inspiring learners to explore study options and careers in agricultural sciences. The university says the programme extends beyond the traditional classroom, with learners being taken to campus for a day of immersive experiences that combine modern technology with practical knowledge.

# And finally, soccer: South Africa defeated Morocco 1-0 to win their maiden Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title in Cairo, Egypt. Gomolemo Kekana’s 70th-minute goal proved decisive, as Amajita secured their first-ever continental title. South Africa also capped off a historic tournament by sweeping key individual awards. Tylon Smith was named best player, and Fletcher Lowe won the best goalkeeper award, recording the highest number of saves, 24, during the tournament. Nigeria claimed third place after beating hosts Egypt 4-1 on penalties.

Stay tuned for more news………….