News Bulletin of 1 July 2026, 1pm

The International African Theatre Association, a global network of theatre practitioners and scholars, will host its annual conference at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria from the 8th to the 10th of July, with an opening event on the 7th.
The gathering will bring together 27 universities from across the world, including countries in Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean.
The conference will focus on African performance, creative expression and the role of theatre in addressing social and cultural issues in the 21st century.
Hosted in partnership with the City of Tshwane and other cultural organisations, the event will feature presentations, performances and discussions, with selected work set to be published in leading academic journals after the conference.

Deputy Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala is leading the National Contractor Development Roadshow in Sedibeng to help emerging construction businesses grow and compete for bigger projects.
Hosted with the Construction Industry Development Board, the initiative offers guidance on contractor grading, compliance, business development and access to government support.
The misiter says programme forms part of a nationwide effort to strengthen the construction sector, create opportunities for small businesses and support infrastructure delivery across South Africa

South African showjumper Bo Reed has earned the country’s nomination for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after a strong performance at the final national selection event. Riders were tested on both their own horses and unfamiliar mounts, with limited warm up time requiring quick adaptability and strong horsemanship.
Reed delivered composed and consistent rounds to finish ahead of fellow finalists and secure the only available spot for South Africa in the discipline.
Her selection follows recent international success for South African showjumping at Nations Cup events in Europe, adding to the sport’s growing profile.