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From a Safe Place to a Growing Harvest: Hope Takes Root in Limpopo In Maphosa Village, Limpopo, one woman’s concern for children after school grew into something that now supports families in more ways than one: a safe place for children, help with their learning and meals to share — alongside a community farming project creating jobs. Johanna Mailula founded the Maphosa Drop-in Centre in 2016 after seeing children spending afternoons without adult supervision. A report published by SAnews on 2 September 2026 says the centre now supports 68 vulnerable children. Over time, the initiative has grown beyond its original purpose. Alongside care for children, it is helping address some of the pressures facing local families, including unemployment and food insecurity. CARE THAT GROWS WITH THE COMMUNITY The centre provides children with homework assistance, psychosocial support, educational enrichment, life-skills development and nutritious meals. Those everyday forms of support can make a real difference. A place to go after school, someone ready to help with homework and a meal at the end of the day can give a child more space to feel safe, learn and look ahead. FROM SUPPORT TO SUSTAINABLE WORK Recognising how closely children’s wellbeing is connected to their families’ circumstances, the organisation expanded into agriculture. The farming project now creates 17 permanent jobs, as well as seasonal and volunteer opportunities. Its vegetables attract customers from across Limpopo, and the Traditional Council has allocated five hectares of land to support future growth. The centre’s progress shows how one community initiative can respond to needs that are linked: caring for children, improving access to food and creating ways for people to earn an income. A PARTNERSHIP TO HELP THE HARVEST GROW In 2026, support facilitated by the National Development Agency helped the centre partner with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The partnership provided R1.3 million for the Green Harvest Project. The funding strengthened the centre’s farming capacity through irrigation, boreholes, water storage, fencing and shade-net structures, alongside seedling production and crop cultivation. Training and mentorship are also helping the organisation build its food production and market access. Mailula hopes to grow the project further and reach markets beyond South Africa. A VISION THAT STARTED CLOSE TO HOME The Maphosa Drop-in Centre began with a simple but powerful response to what was happening in the community: children needed a safe place and caring support after school. Today, that commitment reaches further — helping children, creating work and laying foundations for more sustainable livelihoods. Sometimes, lasting change begins when someone notices what their neighbours need — and decides to start. https://trustoria.co.za/article/from-a-safe-place-to-a-growing-harvest-hope-takes-root-in-limpopo #Trustoria #LocalNews

Something exciting is taking shape behind the scenes at EventsBook, and we cannot wait to finally share it with everyone. The idea behind EventsBook started with something simple: there are incredible events happening every day, but too many people only hear about them when it is already too late. A school market. A church fundraiser. A live music evening. A family day. A business event. A community festival. A workshop. A sports day. A local fundraiser. A major show. So much is happening — but the information is often scattered everywhere. EventsBook is being built to change that. Our team is creating one connected platform where people will be able to discover what is happening, find events that interest them, explore what is taking place in different areas, and connect directly with the people behind those events. And for organisers, promoters, schools, churches, businesses, venues and community groups, EventsBook will offer a better way to get their events seen. Not just listed. Seen. Shared. Discovered. Supported. We are incredibly excited about what is currently being put into place, because this platform is being built with both sides in mind — the people creating events, and the people looking for somewhere to go, something to experience, or something meaningful to support. The goal is to make discovery easier, promotion stronger, and attendance better. We want a small community fundraiser to have a place next to a major corporate event. We want local markets to be found. We want schools to reach more families. We want performers to reach new audiences. We want organisers to have a stronger way to spread the word. And we want people to have one place they can visit and simply ask: “What’s happening?” There is still a lot happening behind the scenes, but every piece being added is bringing us closer to launch. This is more than another directory. It is a platform being built around connection, discovery, participation and the moments that bring people together. We are incredibly excited for what comes next. EventsBook is coming soon. And when it does, we hope it becomes the place people visit when they want to know what is happening around them. EventsBook — discover what’s happening. Be part of it. #EventsBook #ComingSoon #EventsSouthAfrica #WhatsHappening #EventDiscovery #CommunityEvents #LocalEvents #EventPromotion #SupportLocal #SouthAfrica #Festivals #Markets #LiveEvents #BusinessEvents #CommunityFirst

Varun Beverages Ltd. has completed the $125 million acquisition of South Africa’s Twizza, following all necessary regulatory approvals. The deal gives Varun control of Twizza’s manufacturing facilities and distribution network across Southern Africa, integrating it into its African portfolio. Varun, PepsiCo’s largest bottling partner outside the US, is focusing on African markets for growth as its Indian sales face weather-related challenges. Twizza will now operate under BevCo, Varun’s South African subsidiary, and founder Ken Clark and his family no longer own the company.

An Open Note to Facebook You can call it “AI moderation.” You can call it “policy enforcement.” You can call it whatever fits the narrative. But when real job opportunities are flagged and real entrepreneurs are restricted, it stops being about policy — and starts looking like fear of change. Because change is happening. Across South Africa, something is shifting. Quietly. Steadily. Intentionally. People are becoming more conscious about where they spend their time, their money, and their attention. Businesses are starting to question what thousands of “followers” really mean when fewer than 10% are active. When engagement drops. When visibility declines. When pages with years of history feel like empty halls. Numbers without interaction are just numbers. Followers without reach are just decoration. Presence without impact is just illusion. The reality is this: markets evolve. Communities shift. And people move toward platforms that value real opportunity and real connection. You may still have the big numbers. But the momentum is changing. South Africans are thinking differently. Supporting differently. Building differently. And step by step, the landscape is adjusting. This isn’t anger. It’s observation. And the shift has already begun. #ImpactSA #MySA

🧳 The “Lost Luggage Principle”: How Southwest Turned a Disaster Into a Billion-Dollar Advantage In the early 1970s, Southwest Airlines was a tiny regional carrier fighting for survival. They had small planes. Tiny markets. No money for fancy lounges or onboard meals. And worst of all… a massive problem was killing their reputation: Lost luggage. Southwest didn’t have the huge baggage systems that big airlines used. Every lost bag cost them money they didn’t have. Every angry passenger threatened their survival. One day, co-founder Herb Kelleher gathered his team and said: “We don’t have the budget to fix this with machines. But we can fix it with people.” So he moved the baggage crew off the tarmac… and into the strategy room. He asked them one question: “What would it take to never lose a bag again?” Their answer shocked everyone: “Let us own the whole process.” At the time, airlines split the job across multiple departments. Southwest empowered one team …the ground crew …to oversee: • loading • tagging • tracking • handoff • and verification No silos. No handoffs. Just ownership. Within months, lost luggage dropped dramatically. Within years, Southwest had the lowest mishandled-baggage rate in the entire airline industry… staying #1 for decades. What began as a liability became one of their biggest trust builders. 💡 The Marketing Lesson A frustrated customer doesn’t want apologies. They want accountability. Southwest didn’t outspend the competition. They out-organized them. By giving ownership to the team closest to the problem, they turned: • a weakness → into a selling point • a pain point → into a competitive edge • a loss → into loyalty Marketing isn’t always about promotion. Sometimes it’s about eliminating the friction that frustrates people most. 🧠 The Nerdy Takeaway The “Lost Luggage Principle” teaches this: Customers don’t reward perfection …they reward reliability. Fix the one thing everyone else tolerates. Solve the headache the industry ignores. Own the process others outsource. Because the company that removes the pain… gets the praise.

Weekend plans, local style. Markets, beach walks, township tours, braai with friends — what’s on? Share your plan and invite someone new to join. Comment your plan + an open invite. #WeekendInSA #LocalVibes #MySACommunity

The History of Cars in South Africa The story of automobiles in South Africa began in 1896 with the import of the first car, a Benz Velo, which was demonstrated in Pretoria in 1897 to President Paul Kruger. Early Years and Establishment: 1896–1897: The first car, a Benz Velo, is imported and showcased in Pretoria. 1923: Ford opens the first assembly plant in Port Elizabeth, followed by General Motors in 1926. 1951: Volkswagen begins producing the Beetle at its Uitenhage facility. 1957: South Africa introduces its first locally designed and manufactured cars, the Protea and GSM Dart. Expansion and Local Manufacturing: Mid-1960s: International brands, including Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, establish factories in South Africa. 1968: BMW opens a plant in Rosslyn. 1973: Mercedes-Benz inaugurates an engine plant in East London—the first outside Germany. 1985: Ford merges with Sigma Motors (producing Mazda) to form Samcor. 1988: Ford temporarily withdraws from the country due to political and economic factors, but Samcor continues producing Ford and Mazda models. Modern Era and Government Support: 1994: Ford returns by acquiring a stake in Samcor. 1995: The Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) is launched to stimulate local manufacturing and exports. 2000: Ford becomes the majority shareholder of Samcor, renaming it Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. Present: South Africa’s automotive sector remains a key economic contributor, with models like the Ford Ranger and Everest produced for both local and international markets.

Welcome to Gauteng Events This page is your one-stop guide to everything happening across Gauteng, from music festivals and art markets to foodie pop-ups, family fun days, and nightlife events. Whether you’re looking for weekend plans or hidden local gems, we’ll keep you updated on all the must-attend happenings in and around the province. But we also want you to be part of it! Know of an event happening in your area — big or small? Let us know! Please send us the details, tag us in your posts, or drop a comment below so we can help spread the word and keep Gauteng buzzing with great experiences. Let’s explore, share, and celebrate everything our vibrant province has to offer — together! #GautengEvents #DiscoverGauteng #SouthAfrica #LocalEventsSA #ExploreMore #MySASocial

🛍️ Tygervalley Market Nights — shop, eat, vibe. Bring your crew, we’ll handle the driving. 🚐 #TygervalleyVibes #CapeTownMarkets

The Future of Social Networking in South Africa We are proud to announce the continued growth of MySA, South Africa’s own dedicated social network, developed under the leadership of Mysatech. Over the past months, we have been working diligently to establish a platform that goes beyond traditional social media, introducing new features, forming official partnerships, and building a community that reflects the values and aspirations of South Africa. What sets MySA apart from global platforms is our focus on authenticity, trust, and local relevance. Unlike other networks, MySA is designed specifically for South Africans, ensuring that individuals, communities, and verified businesses are represented accurately and securely. Every feature we introduce is built with the intention of serving the needs of our users rather than the demands of international advertising markets. Key distinctions of MySA include: - A platform developed and managed in South Africa, by South Africans. - Verified profiles and businesses to ensure trust and credibility. - A focus on meaningful connections, not algorithm-driven noise. - Integration with real opportunities for individuals, creators, and companies within the local economy. This is not simply another social media platform. MySA is a dedicated space where South Africans can connect, share, and grow together under one trusted digital environment. The journey is only beginning, and we invite you to be part of this new era of social networking. MySA – Built for South Africa. Built for the Future. #Mysatech #MySA #NewEra #ProudlySouthAfrican