Good News

BULLETIN 2 May

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# SA Rugby’s director of rugby and World Cup-winning coach, Rassie Erasmus, has been awarded an honorary doctorate of Philosophy in Coaching Science by the North West University today. The institution says this acknowledges his leadership in the Springboks’ victorious 2019 and ’23 World Cup campaigns, his global coaching stature, and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. Erasmus is hailed for fostering unity and reconciliation, transcending backgrounds and beliefs in the nation.

# Tshwane University of Technology professor Alvaro Viljoen has reached a monumental achievement with the publication of his 300th peer-reviewed academic paper. The publication explores the captivating realm of medicinal smoke, particularly focusing on wild cannabis. TUT says Viljoen’s prolific publication record, coupled with other outstanding achievements, cements his status as the most highly cited researcher in the institution’s history. It adds that this accolade not only underscores his scientific intelligence but also highlights his pivotal role in advancing the academic and research agenda of the university.

# Former train driver Simbongile Qabaka defied all odds to obtain his first university degree. Two months after enrolling for a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Human Settlement at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape in January 2018, he was left completely paralysed following a stroke. The 43-year-old spent four months at a rehabilitation centre where he had to learn how to speak and walk again. The next year, Qabaka re-registered for the same qualification, despite not fully recovered. He passed and graduated last week.

# Durban’s Street Lit project continues to help keep homeless people off the streets while spreading a love of books and reading. The project helps people who have experienced homelessness become book vendors. They set up stalls and hope to make a living from sharing their passion for books all across the city, from malls to taxi ranks. Facilitated by the Denis Hurley Centre, 20 people have become book vendors. The project’s facilitator, Illa Thompson, says the vendors are all bound by their belief in the power of literature.

# And finally: The 14th edition of South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, the Simola Hillclimb, begins in Knysna in the Southern Cape today. Enthusiasts will see a wide range of classic cars on Hedge Street this afternoon. From tomorrow, Simola Hill will become the scene of adrenaline-fuelled excitement, starting with practice sessions for the Classic Car Friday competitors, followed by qualifying rounds. This will all lead to the class finals and the thrilling all-or-nothing top-ten shootout on Sunday, to determine who will be crowned Classic Conqueror for 2024.

Stay tuned for more news………….