The Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech takes centre stage this week, outlining the government’s fiscal plans against a backdrop of slow economic growth, revenue shortfalls, and mounting debt pressures. It is the first Budget to be tabled since the formation of the Government of National Unity.
Monday 17 Feb
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane visits Nelson Mandela University to assess the registration process as the 2025 academic year begins.
The G20 holds its first Digital Economy Working Group meeting and its first Women Empowerment Working Group meeting.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio continues his Middle East visit with stops in Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The UN Security Council meets to discuss threats to international peace and security, followed by a session on the Secretary-General’s reports on Sudan and South Sudan.
Tuesday 18 Feb
South Africa hosts the G20 Employment Working Group meeting in Gqeberha, with experts from the International Labour Organisation, World Bank, and OECD discussing youth employment, gender equality, and digitalisation’s impact on work.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services discusses contraband found in correctional centres nationwide. Committee member Kabelo Kgobisa-Ngcaba MP has described prisons as “a hub for illegal activity as opposed to rehabilitation”.
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies receives a briefing on the finalisation of the GCIS White Paper Draft Policy, and an introduction to the Marketing, Advertising, and Communication (MAC) Charter Council.
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education considers the status of Early Childhood Development integration and Grade R implementation processes.
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities gets an update on the Sanitary Dignity Programme, learner pregnancy, and the exclusion of children with disabilities.
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber briefs the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on governance issues raised by labour unions at Government Printing Works and his oversight visit to the Bosman Printing Factory.
The Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources is briefed on the state of the South African petroleum industry.
The Portfolio Committee on Social Development discusses the status of the SASSA black card swap process and measures to address long queues and site shortages.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation discusses wastewater treatment and sewage disposal in Cape Town.
The 28th SA-EU Inter-Parliamentary Meeting takes place in Cape Town, bringing together South African and European Union lawmakers.
Statistics South Africa releases a report on the country’s age-sex structure from 1996 to 2022, as well as the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Bermuda holds a general election for the House of Assembly, with the ruling Progressive Labour Party seeking to retain its majority.
Wednesday 19 Feb
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will present the Budget Speech at Cape Town City Hall, introducing the Appropriation Bill and tabling the Division of Revenue Bill.
National Treasury hosts a post-Budget Global Investor Call led by Director-General Dr Duncan Pieterse. Organised with Goldman Sachs and Investec, the call provides fixed income investors with an update on the fiscal outlook, replacing this year’s in-person meetings due to Treasury’s G20 commitments.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans reviews the Department of Defence’s Quarter 3 expenditure report and hears from the SANDF Chief on consequence management and Boards of Inquiry delays.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure receives a briefing on progress with outstanding legislation, including the Public Works Bill and Infrastructure Development Bill.
The Portfolio Committee on Police reviews the outcomes of SAPS’ festive season safety operations, discusses extortion-related crimes, and continues deliberations on strengthening detective services.
The Trade and Industry Portfolio Committee examines progress in implementing Zondo Commission recommendations and addressing issues related to grey-listing.
The Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development discusses legislative measures for equitable land access, including the proposed Land Reform/Redistribution Bill.
Statistics South Africa releases the Consumer Price Index for January 2025, providing the latest data on inflation and price trends.
The national statistical agency also releases a report on migration statistics, drawing from Census 2022 and other sources.
US President Donald Trump and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew attend the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami, a Saudi-backed event focused on investment, technology, and sustainability.
The Conservative Political Action Conference 2025 takes place in Washington DC, bringing together conservative leaders, policymakers, and activists.
London Fashion Week showcases Autumn/Winter 2025 collections, featuring a blend of physical and digital presentations.
Thursday 20 Feb
Deputy President Paul Mashatile convenes a meeting of the Water Task Team to address water security and infrastructure challenges.
South Africa hosts the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has boycotted G20 events, citing what he refers to as South Africa’s “anti-Americanism”.
Boxing South Africa hosts a Boxing Convention in East London at the direction of Minister Gayton McKenzie. It brings together various stakeholders including world champions, boxing legends and sporting personalities to discuss the sport’s future.
US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg visits Ukraine for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior officials on efforts to end the conflict with Russia.
Friday 21 Feb
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae delivers the State of the Province Address at Lemo Park in Bloemfontein.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane delivers the State of the Province Address at the Eastern Cape Legislature in Bhisho.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate holds a Permit Advisory Forum meeting on marine outfall permit conditions and coastal water quality management.
Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence engages with academics on South African defence policy, assessing developments since the 1996 White Paper and discussing future policy directions.
The UN marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, celebrating efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote multilingual education.
It is the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, who was shot and killed while addressing a crowd at the Audubon Ballroom in New York in 1965.
Saturday 22 Feb
A ‘March for Ukraine’ demonstration takes place in London to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of US President Donald Trump, debuts her Fox News show, My View with Lara Trump, the first time a sitting president’s family member has hosted a television programme.
Daniel Dubois defends his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parker at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sunday 23 Feb
Germany holds a federal election for the Bundestag following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. The outcome is expected to reshape the country’s political landscape, with the CDU/CSU leading in polls and the far-right AfD gaining support.
Hezbollah holds a public funeral in Beirut for its former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 27 September 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putin marks ‘Defender of the Fatherland’ Day in Moscow with commemorations honouring military personnel and veterans.
If you would like an event to be considered for this newsletter, please email:
Ockham Communications relies on a range of sources to compile the Ockham Observer and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.