Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers his Budget Speech on Wednesday after its postponement three weeks ago, while President Ramaphosa faces questions from MPs on Tuesday. Internationally, further US tariffs and retaliatory measures take effect, and Ukraine remains front and centre of the global diplomatic agenda.
Monday 10 March
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US officials to address the recent suspension of US military aid to Ukraine.
China’s countermeasures to the latest US tariffs come into force, including a 15% tariff on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, and a 10% tariff on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
US President Donald Trump meets with tech leaders, including the CEOs of HP, Intel, IBM, and Qualcomm, to discuss the impact of trade policy, tariffs, and export restrictions on AI technology.
The UN Security Council meets to discuss the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga leads a delegation to the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
Tuesday 11 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa faces questions in the National Assembly on economic stagnation and inequality, SA’s relationship with the US (including his recent engagement with Elon Musk), SA’s role in the DRC conflict, and allegations of fraudulent marriages used to obtain SA citizenship.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, and Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson will attend a sod-turning ceremony for a historic land restitution project in Bishopscourt, Cape Town. They will join the 86 families of the Protea Village Communal Property Association who have waited more than 30 years to return to their ancestral home at the foot of Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies discusses the Competition Commission’s Data Services Market Inquiry, which was launched to reduce data costs and boost competition in the telecoms sector.
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education looks at learner admissions, migration trends, gaps, and backlogs. It will also receive an update on the phasing in of compulsory History education for grades 10 to 12.
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs discusses political party funding and the Immigration Amendment Bill. It will also receive an update from Minister Leon Schreiber on governance issues raised by labour unions and his oversight visit to Bosman Printing Factory.
The Portfolio Committee on Transport conducts public hearings on the Merchant Shipping Bill, which proposes changes to ship registration, seafarer employment conditions, and maritime safety to align with international conventions.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu hosts his counterparts from Britain, Germany, Italy, and Poland in Paris to discuss support for Ukraine and European rearmament following the US suspension of military aid to Kyiv.
Greenland holds elections for its parliament, the Inatsisartut. These take place amid heightened discussions about independence from Denmark, and US President Donald Trump’s stated goal of acquiring the Arctic island “one way or another”.
The trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the death of footballer Diego Maradona begins in Buenos Aires.
Wednesday 12 March
President Ramaphosa will host a Cabinet meeting in Cape Town.
After a dramatic three-week delay due to a disagreement in the Government of National Unity over a proposed VAT increase, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is due to present the 2025 Budget at a sitting of the National Assembly.
The US implements a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports risking retaliatory measures from affected trading partners. Last week, President Trump backtracked on tariffs for a variety of goods coming into the US from Mexico and Canada – just two days after putting them in place.
A three-day G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting begins in Charlevoix, Quebec, focusing on support for Ukraine, Middle East tensions, and Indo-Pacific security.
Central American country Belize holds general elections for the House of Representatives following the dissolution of its National Assembly.
Thursday 13 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa hosts the EU-South Africa Summit in Cape Town, focusing on trade, investment, energy, the war in Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan.
Parliament’s Joint Finance Committees receive a briefing from the Minister of Finance on the 2025 Budget.
Ministers in the Social Services Cluster answer oral questions in the National Assembly:
- The Minister of Social Development is questioned on problem gambling, social grant access for the homeless, and corruption in retirement villages.
- The Minister of Health addresses medical worker emigration, PEPFAR funding cuts, and forensic pathology delays.
- The Minister of Basic Education responds to concerns over early childhood interventions, social worker deployment, and unplaced learners.
- The Minister of Water and Sanitation faces questions on corruption in water tenders, non-revenue losses, and possible intervention in failing municipalities.
The National Assembly holds a debate for International Women’s Day.
Germany’s Bundestag debates a proposal to ease the constitutional debt brake, backed by the prospective coalition government led by Friedrich Merz. The plan, which includes a €500 billion infrastructure fund and exemptions for defence spending, faces opposition from both the far right and left.
Friday 14 March
Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, is celebrated today, marking the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. While traditionally observed in India and Nepal, it is celebrated in many countries with Indian diaspora communities.
Today is the deadline for the US Congress to finalise a funding agreement and prevent a US government shutdown. Negotiations have stalled primarily due to disagreements over proposed budget cuts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency also known as DOGE.
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence discusses the status, utilisation, and challenges of the SANDF Reserve Force.
Saturday 15 March
The UN marks the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, promoting global efforts to counter discrimination and intolerance against Muslims.
Chelsea face Manchester City in the Women’s League Cup Final.
Sunday 16 March
Newcastle United take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final.
The 2025 Formula One season begins with the Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne.
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