News Bulletin of 1 July 2026, 2pm

A radio communication network is being expanded across northern Pretoria to improve coordination between residents, neighbourhood watches, private security and emergency services during incidents.
The system allows users to share real time information across a wide area and operates independently of cellphone and internet networks, which can be affected during outages or high demand.
The initiative is run through AfriForum’s Noord van die Berg branch and is supported by local safety structures working together to improve response times during emergencies.

South Africa’s agricultural sector has recorded its highest ever first quarter trade surplus, reaching 1.55 billion US dollars, driven mainly by lower import costs.
Agricultural exports totalled about 3.3 billion dollars, with strong contributions from fruit and other horticultural products including citrus and grapes.
The sector’s performance reflects steady production and consistent global demand for South African farm goods, helping to support overall economic stability.

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.