Coalition negotiations begin across South Africa as political parties seek agreements to govern municipalities without outright majorities.
Local election recap: The ANC secured 30.76% of the national vote in last week’s local elections, followed by the DA (24.64%), MK Party (9.76%), EFF (6.22%) and ActionSA (5.67%).
The DA retained its outright majority in Cape Town, but no party secured a majority in any of the other seven metropolitan municipalities, setting the stage for potentially complex coalition negotiations.
Newly elected municipal councils must hold their first meetings within 14 days of the declaration of results, putting pressure on parties to reach agreements on governing arrangements.
Monday 9 November
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald join Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD) Chair Kgalema Motlanthe in addressing the Commission’s high-level meeting in Cape Town.
UN Office on Drugs and Crime Executive Director Monica Juma visits the Drakenstein Correctional Centre near Paarl to discuss prison reform, rehabilitation and international standards for the treatment of prisoners.
SADC Ministers of Health and ministers responsible for HIV/AIDS begin a five-day meeting in Durban to discuss regional health priorities and the response to HIV/AIDS.
The Madlanga Commission resumes public hearings, with Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala scheduled to testify, subject to a legal dispute over the use of statements made during a failed plea agreement.
Former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and five co-accused return to the Pretoria High Court on fraud and corruption charges relating to the alleged irregular procurement of R54 million worth of police software.
The US Congress returns following the midterm elections, with Democrats preparing to take control of both chambers in January and lawmakers facing decisions on government funding and defence spending.
G7 foreign ministers begin a two-day meeting in Paris under France’s presidency.
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) opens in Antalya, Türkiye, with the World Meteorological Organization launching its State of the Climate Update 2026.
The UN Security Council holds an open briefing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte joins European finance ministers at a Eurogroup meeting in Brussels for discussions on defence financing and joint procurement.
The winner of the 2026 Booker Prize is announced in London.
Tuesday 10 November
Members of Parliament return from their constituencies following the local government elections.
In Parliament:
- The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education receives a clause-by-clause briefing from the Department of Basic Education on implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.
- The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs discusses funding and operational steps against gender-based violence and femicide.
- The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture receives an update from the Department on interventions to contain foot-and-mouth disease.
- The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development begins shortlisting candidates for positions at the Information Regulator.
The Department of Electricity and Energy and Eskom open the South African Nuclear and Clean Energy Conference in Centurion.
The Western Cape Government meets the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association for talks aimed at ending taxi-related violence.
Stats SA releases the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter, and manufacturing production and sales figures for September 2026.
The US hosts two days of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, focusing on ending the war, post-war security arrangements and de-escalation.
US House Republicans hold leadership elections, with Speaker Mike Johnson stepping aside after the party lost control of the chamber in last week’s midterm elections.
Wednesday 11 November
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi hosts a three-day Access to Justice International Conference at Sun City.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health hears from the Council for Medical Schemes on implementation of the Competition Commission’s 2019 Health Market Inquiry.
Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula returns to the Pretoria High Court as her corruption and money laundering trial resumes.
The City of Cape Town hosts the Manufacturing Indaba at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey is questioned by the House of Commons Treasury Committee on his first Budget.
Thursday 12 November
President Cyril Ramaphosa answers questions in the National Council of Provinces on Operation Vulindlela Phase II, gender-based violence, and trade talks with the United States over the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and tariffs.
Election analyst Wayne Sussman addresses the Cape Town Press Club on the outcome of the local government elections and coalition dynamics.
Stats SA releases its report on perinatal deaths in South Africa for 2024, alongside its mining production and sales data for September 2026.
Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane is set to become England’s most-capped male footballer as the national team faces Croatia at Wembley in the UEFA Nations League.
Friday 13 November
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment David Maynier participates in a high-level event at South Africa’s COP31 pavilion in Antalya, Türkiye, alongside representatives of the OECD and the Presidential Climate Commission.
The Modimolle Regional Court holds pre-sentence proceedings in the Phala Phala farm theft case following the convictions of Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph.
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi delivers the keynote address at the inaugural South African AI Awards in Sandton.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga briefs the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on the outcomes of the 2026 Defence Industry Lekgotla.
Leaders of the European Union’s 27 member states meet in Dublin for an informal summit dedicated to artificial intelligence, chaired by European Council President António Costa.
The International Energy Agency releases its November Oil Market Report, providing updated forecasts for global oil supply, demand, inventories and prices.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addresses the Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention in Washington, in his first major speech since the US midterm elections.
The Springboks face France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis in round five of the Nations Championship.
Irish rock band U2 release Carnaval De Luz, their first album in nine years, featuring what is being described as the final recorded vocals of Dolly Parton.
Saturday 14 November
The CSA Pro20 Cup final takes place in Cape Town.
Oasis, Phil Collins, Sade and five other acts are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Los Angeles.
The United Nations marks World Diabetes Day.
Sunday 15 November
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hosts the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Manila, with discussions on energy security, food security, semiconductors and the digital economy.
Cape Verde holds a presidential election, with incumbent José Maria Neves seeking a second term.
The United Nations marks the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime.
The Proteas begin a two-match Test series against Bangladesh at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
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