News Bulletin of 7 April 2026, 6pm

The African Theatre Association conference, AfTA 2026, will take place at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Arts Campus from 8 to 10 July.
Themed Interartistic Afrikan performing arts in the 21st century: De/Post-colonial performance, places, pedagogies, the event has accepted 75 abstracts from 92 presenters representing 18 countries, including academics from ten South African universities.
The City of Tshwane is a strategic partner, with opening and closing ceremonies at the South African State Theatre and Freedom Park.
Selected papers and performances will be published in the African Performance Review and a special issue of the South African Theatre Journal.
Registration is open for non-presenters, with early bird rates available until 30 April.

South Africa’s Candice Lill has claimed the Women’s Elite title at the 2026 Absa Cape Epic, finally securing the crown after years of near misses.
Racing with Swiss partner Alessandra Keller, the pair dominated the Western Cape event, winning seven of the eight stages.
Her triumph came on the same day South Africans Matt Beers and Tristan Nortje became the first all local men’s team to win the race, making it a landmark moment for South African cycling.

Twelve-year-old Ehben Muller of Olivedale received a bravery medal from Netcare Olivedale Hospital after showing remarkable composure during treatment for a knee dislocation.
The medals, donated by the community, are part of an initiative to celebrate children who face medical challenges with courage.
Ehben, who is committed to physiotherapy and staying active despite his condition, also enjoys robotics and hockey, representing his school at national competitions.
The initiative forms part of a wider movement across South Africa, including the HAHA Bling for Bravery campaign, which collected over 22,000 medals this year to recognise children’s strength during difficult moments.