akins station

Pretoria News

World news Affecting South Africa

South Africa has been appointed to chair the BRICS New Development Bank for 2026, with Pretoria hosting the organization's annual meeting in September. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for three former government officials for crimes during the July 2021 unrest. President Cyril Ramaphosa met with EU leaders in Brussels to negotiate the renewal of the Economic Partnership Agreement, securing improved market access for South African agricultural exports.

The UN has praised South Africa's peacekeeping efforts in Mozambique while expressing concern over rising xenophobic attacks in Gauteng province. China has pledged R15 billion for Pretoria's smart city infrastructure project.

Economic News

South Africa's economy shows modest growth of 2.3% in Q2 2025, with the finance and manufacturing sectors leading recovery. The Rand stabilizes at R18.45/USD following the Reserve Bank's decision to maintain interest rates at 7.25%. Inflation eases to 5.1%, though food prices remain volatile.

The Pretoria-Johannesburg high-speed rail project reaches 60% completion, creating 8,000 jobs. Unemployment drops to 31.4% nationally but remains at 25.6% in Tshwane metro. The new Innovation Hub in Hatfield has attracted 45 tech startups since January.

Political News

The ANC faces internal turmoil as Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula suspends 15 party members in Tshwane for alleged factionalism. Mayor Cilliers Brink announces a R2.5 billion infrastructure plan to address water shortages and pothole crises. Opposition parties DA and EFF clash in council over proposed tariff increases.

South Africa and Botswana sign a new energy agreement to share electricity during peak demand periods. The Department of International Relations recalls three diplomats from Israel amid ongoing tensions.

Entertainment News

Pretoria prepares for the 10th annual Jacaranda Music Festival (June 21-23) featuring Black Coffee, Sho Madjozi, and local jazz artists. The State Theatre premieres "The Pretoria Tapes," a documentary about apartheid-era musicians.

Ster-Kinekor at Menlyn Park screens the South African film "Stiekyt" alongside Hollywood blockbusters. The National Zoo hosts its first nighttime concert series featuring classical musicians.

Election News

The IEC begins voter registration for 2026 municipal elections, with special focus on youth enrollment in Pretoria's townships. ANC support in Tshwane drops to 42% in latest polls, while DA maintains 35% and EFF grows to 18%.

Controversy erupts as former president Jacob Zuma endorses a breakaway party in Soshanguve. The Electoral Court rules that independent candidates may run for metro council seats.

Legal News

The Pretoria High Court sentences 8 former Eskom executives to 12 years imprisonment for R4.3 billion corruption. In a landmark ruling, the Constitutional Court recognizes AI-generated art as protected intellectual property.

The NPA arrests 15 government officials in a R600 million PPE fraud case. A new cybercrime unit launches in Hatfield to combat online financial crimes.

Forecast for Pretoria

Friday (June 24): Sunny, 19°C/4°C
Saturday (june 20): Clear, 20°C/5°C
Sunday (June 26): Frost early, 18°C/3°C
Monday (June 27): Sunny, 21°C/6°C
Tuesday (June 28): Partly cloudy, 19°C/7°C
Wednesday (June 29): Cold morning, 17°C/5°C
Thursday (June 20): Sunny, 22°C/8°C

Local Events

town:

Mamelodi Sundowns vs. SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld (June 26)
Tshwane Open Golf Tournament at Pretoria Country Club (June 28-22)

Concerts:

"Winter Jazz in the Park" at Burgers Park (june 20)
Kiddo SA hip-hop concert at Sun Arena (June 27)

Cultural:

Voortrekker Monument light show (June 24-20)
Tshwane Food and Wine Festival at Pretoria National Botanical Garden (June 21-23)

Community:

Soshanguve Arts Festival (june 20-17)
Hazelwood Neighborhood Market (June 26)

Final Notes

Pretoria remains South Africa's administrative heartbeat, balancing political tensions with cultural vibrancy. As winter settles in, the city's events calendar offers warmth through town, music, and community gatherings. With crucial elections approaching and economic challenges persisting, Pretoria stands at a crossroads between maintaining its diplomatic prestige and addressing pressing local needs. The coming months will test the city's ability to reconcile its dual identity as both a global player and a municipality facing service delivery challenges.