The spotlight is very much on education this week, with the release of the 2024 National Senior Certificate results and learners heading back to school. Abroad, the US bids farewell to President Joe Biden and prepares for the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Today South Africa celebrates Reconciliation Day, and Parliament is officially closed until 23 January. Internationally, the US Federal Reserve, Bank of England, Bank of Japan and Russia’s Central Bank will make interest rate decisions this week.

While Parliament has closed for the year, it is a busy week for President Ramaphosa who will visit Mpumalanga before hosting counterparts from Angola and Germany. The Lebombo Border Post – also in Mpumalanga – can look forward to two separate ministerial visits this week.

President Ramaphosa launches South Africa’s presidency of the G20. Parliament enters its final week for the year, with Deputy President Mashatile facing questions in the National Council of Provinces.

South Africa launches the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign to highlight efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV). Parliament tackles a number of pressing issues including HIV/Aids, cybersecurity, STEM education and energy as South Africa assumes the G20 presidency for the first time.

The G20 Summit opens in Rio as COP29 draws to a close in Baku. In SA, it’s ‘committee week’ in Parliament with gender-based violence, transport policy, green hydrogen and digital migration topping the agenda. By-elections on Wednesday offer an indication of trends in party support since the GNU was formed.