Good News

BULLETIN 29 May 

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# Hazel Ntuli is set to become one of the University of Pretoria’s youngest-ever graduates later this year. She obtained a degree in Actuarial Science, which she completed at the age of 17. Hazel began her university studies in 2022, having accelerated through primary and secondary school after her academic talents became clear at an early age. Hazel, who is now pursuing an honours degree, says finding her voice in unfamiliar academic spaces was a steep, but rewarding, learning curve:

# A social entrepreneur from Kenya, Kennedy Odede, and Canadian indigenous social worker, Brenda Reynolds, are the 2025 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize laureates. The prize, established by the United Nations in 2014, is awarded every five years to two individuals whose work reflects Mandela’s legacy of leadership, humility, service, and unity across borders. UN Secretary General, António Guterres, says Odede and Reynolds embody the spirit of unity and possibility. They will receive the award on Nelson Mandela International Day, July 18th.

# The inaugural Kultura Festival will make its debut in South Africa with Symphony and Song at the Curro Durbanville High School Theatre in Cape Town on June 22nd. This family-friendly concert features the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and soprano Zanne Stapelberg, performing classical, operatic, and musical theatre pieces. The event seeks to celebrate South Africa’s musical talent and the unifying power of symphonic performance. The main highlights will include Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Arthur Feder’s Tango, and selections from Kiss of the Spider Woman.

# The Dan and Rose Qeqe Foundation has introduced golf to four township schools in Gqeberha by donating clubs and balls as part of a new initiative. Aimed at promoting diversity in school sports, the programme hopes to nurture young talent and shift perceptions of golf as an elite sport. By creating access in underserved communities, the foundation says they are paving the way for inclusion and growth in golf at grassroots level. They believe that exposing children to the sport at a young age could open doors to scholarships and future careers.

# And finally: Cape Town has been ranked ninth in Time Out’s global survey of the best cities for access to nature and green spaces. The metro ranks with Abu Dhabi, known for its 200 parks and beaches, and Chicago, which boasts over 600 parks and a long-standing commitment to urban greenery. The poll, based on over 18-thousand-500 votes, highlights Cape Town’s blend of urban life and outdoor beauty. Locals and visitors alike say they enjoy spaces like the Company’s Garden and Table Mountain.

Stay tuned for more news………….