how South African high schoolers are innovating solutions to community challenges this Mandela Month, from building carts for the elderly to creating apps that support struggling learners.

The Bloemfontein High Court has sentenced two contract killers to life imprisonment for the shocking murder of former Centlec CEO Andries Mgoqi.

Paramount Pictures has unveiled the first-look images from Children of Blood & Bone, the forthcoming fantasy epic based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling 2018 novel. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also co-wrote the screenplay with the author, the film is set for release in theatres on 15 January 2027. The images published by Entertainment Weekly showcase an impressive ensemble cast bringing the mythical kingdom of Orïsha to life. Key visuals include Damson Idris and Thuso Mbedu in ornate warrior attire featuring lion-inspired masks, standing by a vivid pink lake. Another shot captures Viola Davis in a commanding role alongside a group of women wielding staffs in a rustic indoor setting similar to visuals from her film, The Woman King. The star-studded cast of ‘Children of Blood & Bone’ includes Viola Davis in a commanding group scene, Idris Elba as a regal king, Amandla Stenberg, Cynthia Erivo, and others like Chiwetel Ejiofor in ornate, culturally rich attire reflecting the novel’s magic-oppressed world of Orïsha. Picture: X/Discussing Film A regal throne room scene features Regina King and Chiwetel Ejiofor in lavish red robes, while Amandla Stenberg sits nearby in a striking crown. The star-studded line-up also includes Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, and Tosin Cole. The story follows Zelie (played by Thuso Mbedu), a young Diviner on a perilous quest to restore magic to her people after it was violently suppressed by the ruling monarchy. The star-studded cast of ‘Children of Blood & Bone’ includes Viola Davis in a commanding group scene, Idris Elba as a regal king, Amandla Stenberg, Cynthia Erivo, and others like Chiwetel Ejiofor in ornate, culturally rich attire reflecting the novel’s magic-oppressed world of Orïsha. Picture: X, Discussing Film Behind-the-scenes drama and author’s distancing Excitement around the project has been tempered by public comments from author Tomi Adeyemi. In July 2026, Adeyemi revealed she would not watch the final film and has distanced herself from the adaptation, citing painful behind-the-scenes experiences. ‘CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE’ author Tomi Adeyemi says she will not support the upcoming film adaptation of her novel:“There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. […] And lastly since someone asked – I have not seen the film, and I will not watch… pic.twitter.com/jew6Ys8GV7— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 4, 2026 She also confirmed blocking co-star Amandla Stenberg on social media. Despite co-writing the screenplay, Adeyemi has chosen to separate her name from the production, stating she could no longer endure the reported conflicts. Principal photography took place in Lagos and wrapped in mid-2025. The film has already generated significant buzz, including footage screened at CinemaCon, highlighting its action-packed sequences and rich cultural aesthetic drawn from Yoruba mythology and West African traditions. ‘Children of Blood & Bone’, based on Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 bestseller, is set for theatrical release on January 15 after prolonged development, marking a major live-action YA fantasy push with high production values evident in the visuals. Picture: X, Discussing Film Fans have taken to social media to share reactions to the first-look images, the costumes and production design, while speculating on how the adaptation will capture the novel’s themes of power, heritage, and resistance. Some have also expressed concern over what the accents will sound like. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gabriela Moravcova Mclain (@gabrielamclain)

Johannesburg will mark Mandela Day this weekend with a range of community initiatives, including clean-up campaigns, school refurbishment projects, charity drives and the annual Mandela Day Walk and Run. Mandela Day is commemorated annually on 18 July in honour of former president Nelson Mandela. The day encourages people to spend 67 minutes in community service, recognising the 67 years Mandela devoted to public service. Ramaphosa to join Mandela Day Walk and Run President Cyril Ramaphosa will participate in the Mandela Day Walk and Run at DP World Wanderers Stadium on Sunday, 19 July. He is expected to join thousands of participants in the annual event and take part in the 5km walk in support of Nelson Mandela International Day. President @CyrilRamaphosa will on Sunday, 19 July 2026, participate in the Mandela Day Walk and Run 2026 at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.The President will join thousands of South Africans in the annual event and participate in the 5-kilometre walk in support… pic.twitter.com/ZmSWkORMXn— The Presidency (@PresidencyZA) July 16, 2026 Mandela Day clean-up The Corlett Drive Improvement Precinct (CDIP) will host a clean-up on Corlett Drive between Rudd Road and the M1 on Saturday morning. Acting CDIP chair Mark Pencharz said the initiative is about taking responsibility for the neighbourhood. “Let us all take responsibility and make our precinct a place we can be proud of. Little steps in the right direction lead to focused outcomes.” Starbucks South Africa is supporting the initiative with reusable cups. Marketing co-ordinator Daniela Jordaan said Mandela Day highlighted the importance of small acts of service. “Mandela Day reminds us that meaningful change starts with simple acts of service. Whether it is choosing to reuse a cup or giving 67 minutes to your neighbourhood, every action counts.” Classroom refurbishments, coding and more The Adopt-a-School Foundation will also host hundreds of volunteers at a school in Soweto. The project will include classroom refurbishments, coding and robotics activities, literacy programmes, learner wellbeing initiatives and the establishment of a vegetable garden. Good Morning Angels Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels has raised more than R2.3 million to fund 23 cochlear implant surgeries for children and adults on the waiting list at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital through former Miss South Africa Mia le Roux’s About Sound initiative. Hands-On Heroes Mandela Day activities will continue on 22 July when Ladles of Love hosts its Hands-On Heroes event at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec. Volunteers will assemble items for 20 000 preschool children, while proceeds from ticket sales will help provide meals for children in need.

Rulani Mokwena is set to become the new head coach of Pyramids FC after leaving Al Ittihad Tripoli just seven months into his tenure. According to Mazola Molefe of SABC Sport, the 39-year-old has agreed to take charge of the reigning CAF Champions League winners ahead of the 2026/27 season. The appointment marks another major chapter in Mokwena’s coaching career after previous spells with Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Athletic Club and MC Alger. He now joins one of Africa’s fastest-growing clubs, which recently lifted their first-ever CAF Champions League title. The club has often been refered to as the Sundowns or Manchester City of Egypt. PYRAMIDS FC APPOINT RULANI MOKWENA According to Mazola Molefe of SABC Sport, Mokwena’s move is expected to be confirmed officially by the Egyptian club soon. Molefe reported: “SABC Sport can confirm that Rulani Mokwena has been appointed head coach of Egyptian giants Pyramids FC ahead of the 2026/27 season, following his recent departure from Al Ittihad Tripoli in Libya.” The report also explained why Mokwena’s stay in Libya came to an early end. “The 39-year-old leaves the Libyan side after just seven months, having exited amid differences over the club’s transfer policy and long-term strategy. As previously reported by the public broadcaster, Mokwena believed promises made regarding recruitment and the club’s sporting project could no longer be fulfilled,” Molefe wrote. BIG EXPECTATIONS AWAIT According to Molefe, Pyramids FC had monitored Mokwena for the past two years. The Egyptian club first showed interest after his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns and revisited the move following his spell with Wydad Athletic Club. Instead, Mokwena joined MC Alger, where he guided the club to the top of the Algerian Ligue 1 before leaving prior to the end of the season. He now replaces Krunoslav Jurčić, who led Pyramids to the 2024/25 CAF Champions League title and enjoyed further domestic success during his time in charge. Pyramids FC was founded in 2008 as Al Assiouty Sport. The club earned promotion to the Egyptian Premier League for the first time in 2014. A major turning point came in 2018 when Turki Al-Sheikh bought the club. He rebranded the team, moved it to Cairo and invested heavily in new players. Salem Al Shamsi took over ownership a year later to continue the club’s long-term growth. The club has since become one of Africa’s biggest clubs. They lifted the 2024 Egypt Cup, their first major trophy. They then made history by winning the 2024/25 CAF Champions League. Mokwena now inherits one of the continent’s top teams. He will be expected to build on that success while competing with Al Ahly and Zamalek for domestic and continental honours.

Cricket in the 20th century was littered with great players, but by universal consent two stand head and shoulders above the rest – Australian batsman Donald Bradman and West Indian all-rounder Garry Sobers, who has died aged 89. “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers,” West Indies Cricket posted on social media on Friday. A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers. 🖤🏏 pic.twitter.com/bv2MO1SJgz— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 17, 2026 Cricketing ability In a poll of 100 cricket experts in 1999, both Bradman and Sobers were chosen in Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the 20th Century with the West Indian all-rounder garnering 90 votes. Bradman had an extraordinary 100 votes and yet before his own death in 2001, the Don paid the ultimate tribute to Sobers. “He is, in my opinion, the greatest cricketer of all time,” said the Don. That tribute is based not just on the statistics or on style – of which Sobers had plenty – but on the breathtaking breadth of his cricketing ability. As a batsman Sobers scored 8 032 runs in his 93 Tests at an average of 57.78, numbers that on their own that would guarantee him a place in any pantheon. On top of that, Sobers was a bowler, who took 235 wickets at 34.03 runs each. Sometimes he would open with fast left-arm but, if the pitch was breaking up, he would switch to the left-arm spin – orthodox or wrist – that first brought him to the attention of the West Indian selectors as a teenager. He was also a lightning fielder, taking 109 Test catches, often at slip but, as captain, he would place himself in the danger zone at short-leg when he brought off-spinner Lance Gibbs into the attack. “The bloke could do just about anything on a cricket field except umpire,” Australian all-rounder Alan Davidson told The Cricket Monthly on the occasion of Sobers’ 80th birthday in 2016. “He was a complete cricketer, magnificent fielder, bowled all types of bowling, and when in form, he absolutely decimated great bowling attacks. “You could not set a field to him because he just had that innate ability to be able to score runs whenever he wanted to.” Early promise Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, who was known as both Gary and Garry, was born in Bridgetown, Barbados on July 28, 1936, the fifth of six children. He was just six when his father Shamont, a merchant seaman, was killed when his ship CNS Lady Hawkins was struck by two torpedoes from a German U-boat off the North Carolina coast. Sobers showed immense early promise in several sports. He made his debut for Barbados against the Indian tourists as a spinner in January 1953 aged just 16. He played against the MCC tourists a year later and, after just two first-class games, was selected as a replacement for the ill Alf Valentine for a Test debut against England at Sabina Park in March 1954. The tourists won by nine wickets but Sobers made an early impression, removing Trevor Bailey in his first over, and taking 4-75 in the tourist’s first innings. Record breaker Four years later he shifted himself on to another plane against Pakistan in Kingston, breaking a world record in the process. Since 1938, Len Hutton’s 364 against Australia at the Oval had stood as the highest individual score in Test cricket. Sobers, in his maiden Test century, made 365 not out, setting a record that would last until another West Indian Brian Lara made 375 against England in 1994. In the tied Test in Brisbane in 1960/61, he scored a blistering 132 which set the tone for a memorable series. “It was absolutely one of the greatest innings I have ever seen in my life,” said Davidson. “He didn’t just beat the field. He split the field. His placement was just incredible.” Garry Sobers succeeded Frank Worrell as West Indies captain for the 1964-65 series at home to Australia and led the hosts to their first ever series win against the Aussies. Results were mixed under his captaincy, which lasted until 1972 when he handed over to Rohan Kanhai, but with Sobers’ hand on the tiller, West Indies cricket continued to develop and evolve into the dominant force of the late 1970s and 1980s. As Sobers aged so his influence on the field waned but he still stroked 254 for the Rest of the World at the MCG in 1972 in what Bradman described as “probably the greatest exhibition of batting ever seen in Australia”. Outside the international arena, Sobers helped South Australia win the Sheffield Shield and played for Nottinghamshire in England’s county championship. In 1968, while facing Glamorgan bowler Malcolm Nash, he became the first player to hit six sixes in one over – a feat only equalled once since in first-class cricket by Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri in 1985. Garry Sobers retired from Test cricket in 1974 and was knighted a year later. The International Cricket Council honoured him in 2004 when with the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the annual world player of the year but it is the testament of Bradman which will mark him as one of the greatest cricketers. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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