SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CONDUCTS COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMME ON THE DANGERS OF DRUGS IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE 

s part of this year’s National Drug Awareness Week, the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the Central Drug Authority (CDA) is conducting an extensive community outreach programme in communities under Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province from 22-25 June.  The main aim of this annual campaign is to educate, share information and engage…

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From Madiba’s Vision to 25 Years of Smiles: A Milestone Mandela Week at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital proudly supported by Vodacom Foundation

Johannesburg, 16 July 2025 – This Mandela Week, Smile Foundation is going back to where it all began. From 14 to 18 July the team is hosting a very special Smile Week at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), the first hospital Smile Foundation partnered with 25 years ago. Over these five days, 14 children will undergo life-changing surgeries, gaining not just new smiles, but fresh confidence and hope for the future. This special Smile Week is proudly supported by Vodacom Foundation, Smile Foundation’s very first donor. It’s a milestone that ties in beautifully with the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Smile Foundation’s Chief Patron, who helped spark the organisation’s journey by initiating young Thando Manyathi’s facial reanimation surgery 25 years ago. It was right here at CMJAH that young Thando Manyathi underwent her life-changing facial reanimation surgery, watched over by Nelson Mandela and Marc Lubner, the latter of whom would go on to co-found Smile Foundation. That moment didn’t just change Thando’s life it ignited a movement that has since transformed over 5,000 more children’s lives. In a beautiful full-circle story, Thando now works for Mr Lubner, helping carry forward the very mission that gave her a second chance. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Madiba stood with us to launch this dream,” says Marc Lubner, Smile Foundation’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. “To celebrate this anniversary during Mandela Week, right here at Charlotte Maxeke, is incredibly special. It’s proof of what’s possible when people come together to make a difference, and it’s just the beginning of the next chapter.” This Smile Week is made even more meaningful by the presence of Smile Foundation’s dedicated board members, Vodacom Foundation’s team and the surgeons who have been part of the journey since day one, and a remarkable specialised craniofacial surgery that highlights how far medical care has come through these partnerships. None of it would be possible without Vodacom Foundation who continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in changing lives. “Since the start, we have supported the Smile Foundation in its mission to provide life- changing facial surgeries that bring hope and dignity to young lives. The initiative is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when purpose meets partnership and why we continue to honour Madiba’s legacy and make a meaningful contribution to building a brighter, inclusive future for the next generation,” says Angela Abrahams, Head of Vodacom Foundation. As Smile Foundation marks 25 years of life-changing surgeries, the team is also celebrating what’s still to come, more partnerships, more breakthroughs, and countless more children stepping into the world with bright, fearless smiles. INFO SUPPLIED

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SPEAKER CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN THE HOME AND CALLS FOR JUSTICE REFORM & SOCIETAL ACCOUNTABILITY

City of Joburg Speaker of Council, Cllr Margaret Arnolds calls on society to reflect on crimes against the vulnerable in society following the arrest and court appearance of Ms Tiffany Meek – charged with the murder of her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek. This tragic case, now further illuminated by disturbing revelations, exposes the horrific abuse…

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SOUTH AFICAN SPORTS AWARDS 2025 REVIEW

This year 18th edition, themed “Celebrating sporting excellence”, paid tribute to the achievement of athletes, couches, administrators and media proffessionals whp have also insipired a nation through resilience, passion and performance. LIST OF WINNERS: Sport administrator of the year: Pholetsi Moseki (Crickets), Recreation body of the years: More Zama (Para Surfing), Sport Volunteer of the…

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STANDARD BANK LAUNCHES SOUTHERN AFRICA’S FIRST SHARI’AH-COMPLIANT OVERDRAFT

Africa’s biggest lender, Standard Bank, has launched the first-ever Shari’ah-compliant overdraft facility in Southern Africa, marking a transformative milestone for Islamic Finance on the continent. Designed to empower business owners with more Shari’ah-compliant solutions, the product adds to a long list of Standard Bank’s innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of Africa’s growing demand…

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