Good News

BULLETIN 3 July

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# South Africa’s happiness trends have been higher since the May general election results and the much-anticipated cabinet announcement. This is according to the Happiness Index conducted by the University of Johannesburg. The index is measured on a scale of zero to ten, with zero being very unhappy, five being neutral, and ten being very happy. The university says analysing the positive trend in the happiness index, the team found that positive emotion words used in South Africa increased, such as hope, happiness, and joy.

# Africa Fashion International is the official fashion sponsor for Miss South Africa 2024. Founded in 2007 by Precious Moloi-Motsepe, AFI has groomed and propelled Pan-African designers into global household names. Moloi-Motsepe says through this partnership, they hope to make a powerful statement for women’s empowerment while also celebrating the elegance of diverse African identities. Miss South Africa Organisation CEO, Stephanie Weil, says this is a fitting partnership given they share very similar core values such as the empowerment of disadvantaged women and the importance of education.

# Walter Sisulu University Art Curator, Zukisa Madyibi, is presenting a series of artworks that highlight the beauty of human connections. One of his most expressive pieces, titled: Ukhwatsha wamaBhele, is an example of one of his linocut pieces, which he describes as a printmaking technique. Madyibi’s work has been exhibited in both the annual International Prints for Peace in Mexico and the Sasol Signature’s Art Competition. He says for him creating art is a vital outlet for his expression and creativity.

# Twenty local vendors are set to benefit from the monthly market held at Ouma Isie’s tea garden at Smuts House in Tshwane. The market offers a variety of items, including arts and crafts, books, leather products, clothes, fresh produce, and handbags. Market organiser, Lance Miller, says the event aims to bring residents together in a pleasant natural environment with the Jan Smuts House Museum enhancing the laid-back atmosphere.

# And finally: The Austrian city of Vienna has been crowned the most liveable city in the world for the third consecutive year by the Economist Intelligence Unit. A total of 173 cities across the globe were ranked on several significant factors, including healthcare, culture and environment, stability, infrastructure, and education. Denmark’s Copenhagen retained its second-place position, while Switzerland’s Zurich moved up from sixth place to third. In 23rd place, Honolulu, Hawaii is the highest US city on the list.

Stay tuned for more news………….