Partners in the Government of National Unity look set to vote against each other’s departmental budgets in Parliament this week.
Monday 30 June
Political parties brace for a tense week of budget votes, with the DA vowing to oppose the budgets of “corruption accused ANC ministers” in protest over the President’s dismissal of DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield. The ANC says it will retaliate by voting against budgets tabled by DA ministers.
The ANC’s National Working Committee meets today to assess the political fallout triggered by Andrew Whitfield’s removal from Cabinet, including the DA’s withdrawal from the National Dialogue. The DA says that a motion of no confidence in President Ramaphosa is not off the table.
President Ramaphosa has cancelled his attendance at the UN’s Financing for Development Conference in Seville, reportedly to manage the political crisis in the Government of National Unity.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen is scheduled to attend the inaugural South African Agricultural Extension Week in Kempton Park.
The Department of Water and Sanitation opens its three-day National Youth Indaba in Boksburg, in partnership with Rand Water. On the same day, Rand Water begins infrastructure maintenance expected to disrupt supply in parts of Gauteng for up to 50 hours.
The African Union marks the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa, celebrating the continent’s scientific progress and promoting investment in research, innovation and education.
The UN Security Council meets to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, as well as developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the signing of last week’s peace deal with Rwanda.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins a week-long trip to Brussels, France and Germany for talks with EU, French and German counterparts. His visit follows recent clashes over Chinese electric vehicles and medical device market access.
The 2025 Wimbledon grand slam tennis tournament opens at the All England Club in London.
On this day in 1960 the Democratic Republic of the Congo achieved independence from Belgium.
Tuesday 1 July
Parliament will hold mini plenary debates on the budgets of the Departments of Health; Agriculture; Correctional Services; Sport, Arts and Culture; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; and the Office of the Chief Justice.
The Standing Committee on Finance holds public hearings on the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts considers and adopts the terms of reference for its inquiry into the Road Accident Fund.
The Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources receives a briefing from the Minerals Council and considers a report on a petition alleging corruption at Alexkor.
Canada celebrates its national day, commemorating the 1867 confederation of its founding provinces into a single dominion.
Hong Kong marks the 28th anniversary of its 1997 handover from Britain to China, which ended 156 years of British colonial rule under a “one country, two systems” framework.
Wednesday 2 July
Parliament holds mini-plenary debates on Budget Votes for Transport; Communications and Digital Technologies; Statistics South Africa; Human Settlements; Public Service and Administration; and Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
The Standing Committee on Finance holds public hearings on the South African Reserve Bank Amendment Bill which would make the state sole shareholder in the central bank, and give the Finance Minister power to appoint the board. Critics warn the bill threatens the Bank’s independence and could damage investor confidence.
A municipal by-election will be held in Ward 57 of Nelson Mandela Bay, covering parts of Motherwell in the north of the city.
The G20’s Third Empowerment of Women Working Group Meeting takes place in Skukuza, Kruger National Park.
The OECD will host its 2025 Green Growth and Sustainable Development Forum, focusing on aligning financial flows with climate and development goals.
Thursday 3 July
Parliament holds mini-plenary debates on budget votes for Employment and Labour; International Relations and Cooperation; Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; and Higher Education.
Argentine President Javier Milei hosts the Mercosur summit in Buenos Aires, where he is expected to renew calls for more flexible trade rules. The summit brings together leaders of the South American trade bloc, including Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, for regional economic and political discussions.
The 2025 World Beard & Moustache Championships begin in Pittsburgh, bringing together facial hair enthusiasts from around the globe.
Friday 4 July
Parliament holds a mini-plenary debate on the budget votes for Police; and Trade, Industry and Competition.
The Portfolio Committees on Communications and Digital Technologies and Basic Education will hold a joint briefing on progress with schools’ connectivity.
EU leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will meet Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chișinău for the first EU–Moldova summit, reaffirming support for Moldova’s EU accession amid continued Russian hybrid threats.
Rwanda celebrates Liberation Day, marking 31 years since the Rwandan Patriotic Front’s victory over the genocidal regime on 4 July 1994.
The United States observes Independence Day commemorating 249 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
President Donald Trump has urged the US Senate to finalise and send the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to him for signature by today. The sweeping tax and spending package proposes extended tax cuts, increased spending on border security and cuts to Medicaid and food stamps.
Britpop icons Oasis reunite for the first time since 2009, launching their world tour with a sold-out concert at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Saturday 5 July
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, where Banyana Banyana begin their title defence after winning the tournament for the first time in 2022. Their preparations resumed after a dispute over unpaid bonuses was resolved, following intervention by senior SAFA officials.
Loftus Versfeld hosts a double-header as South Africa’s women’s rugby team take on Canada, followed by the Springboks’ Test against Italy.
Muslims around the world commemorate Ashura. For Sunni Muslims, it marks the day Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh’s army. For Shia Muslims, it honours the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala.
The 112th edition of the Tour de France begins in Lille, with riders set to cover 3,338 km across three weeks.
On this day in 1962, Algeria declared independence from France after a brutal eight-year war, ending 132 years of colonial rule in the North African country.
Sunday 6 July
President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro to discuss multilateral reform, trade integration and conflict mediation. Last year, the combined economies of the BRICS were more than half the size of the combined G7 in nominal dollar terms and some $10tn larger when calculated at purchasing power parity.
World Rural Development Day is observed, highlighting the importance of inclusive growth and investment in rural communities.
South Africa’s cricket team begins the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, as the Proteas continue their winter tour in southern Africa.
The British Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place at Silverstone.
On this day in 1967 the Nigerian Civil War erupted when federal troops advanced into the secessionist Republic of Biafra, sparking a nearly three-year conflict and humanitarian crisis in West Africa.
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