While South Africa pauses for Freedom Day and Worker’s Day, voters head to the polls in Canada, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Romania, the UK, and – back at home – in KwaZulu-Natal, where a key by-election takes place.

The DA and EFF head to court to challenge the proposed VAT hike and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in South Africa for a working visit. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana chairs the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Washington, DC.

South Africa stands at a political crossroads this week as the ANC and DA hold deliberations on the future of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Meanwhile, global tariff battles intensify, threatening further disruption to the world economy.

All eyes are on the National Assembly as the Government of National Unity faces its biggest test: the vote on the 2025 Budget. Globally, President Trump’s tariff salvo intensifies international trade tensions.

South Africa’s budget process moves into a critical phase ahead of the 3 April deadline for parliamentary approval. Key finance committee meetings take place this week, while budget speeches will be delivered in five provincial legislatures. Globally, the Israel-Palestine conflict and the war in Ukraine continue to dominate the agenda.

It’s a busy week in Parliament with multiple committee meetings, a ministerial question session, and a debate marking Human Rights Day. Meanwhile, the South African Reserve Bank will announce its interest rate decision, alongside monetary policy updates from the US Federal Reserve, Bank of England, Bank of Japan, and Bank of Russia.