The Democratic Alliance caucus elects an MP to lead the party in Parliament, and the NHI Act heads to the ConCourt.
Monday 4 May
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and the World Bank open a three-day regional conference in Johannesburg on expanding quality, affordable childcare.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson launches a pilot project in Durban aimed at growing the Expanded Public Works Programme.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mimmy Gondwe launches a community college infrastructure upgrade project in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal.
Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dickson Masemola commemorates International Firefighters’ Day in Rustenburg.
Leaders from across Europe meet in Armenia for the European Political Community Summit.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York hosts the 2026 Met Gala, co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour.
Tuesday 5 May
The Constitutional Court hears arguments in the legal challenge to the National Health Insurance Act brought by the Board of Healthcare Funders and the Western Cape government.
President Cyril Ramaphosa meets with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, following a diplomatic courtesy call from Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile chairs the South African National AIDS Council Private Sector Forum at Aspen Pharmacare in Johannesburg, and delivers the keynote address at an African World Heritage Day event in Midrand.
The National Assembly considers the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill and holds a debate on the significance of Freedom Day.
G7 Trade Ministers meet in Paris to address trade imbalances, industrial overcapacity and supply chain security.
The SolarPower Summit opens in Brussels to discuss solar expansion, energy security and the role of battery storage in the energy transition.
Wednesday 6 May
President Cyril Ramaphosa chairs a Cabinet meeting at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.
Ministers in the economic cluster answer questions in the National Assembly on topics including alleged corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, an SIU probe into vaccine procurement, and the proposed Vaal Special Economic Zone.
The Philippines hosts the 48th ASEAN Summit in the city of Cebu. Regional leaders will address energy and food security, economic resilience and regional tensions.
Thursday 7 May
The Democratic Alliance caucus elects a new parliamentary leader. George Michalakis, Andrew Whitfield and Kevin Mileham are contesting the position following DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis’s decision not to take up a seat in Parliament.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joins South32 in Richards Bay to mark the 30th anniversary of its Hillside Aluminium smelter.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile visits Ditsobotla municipality in the North West province for a service delivery outreach engagement.
The National Assembly holds first reading debates on the Constitution Twenty-Third Amendment Bill, the Electoral Laws Amendment Bill, and two public procurement amendment bills.
Voters across England, Scotland and Wales go to the polls in local council, mayoral and devolved parliamentary elections.
Friday 8 May
President Cyril Ramaphosa attends the launch of the Elimination of Cervical Cancer Strategic and Implementation Framework in Soweto.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile addresses the National Rural Development Indaba in Bloemfontein.
Parliament holds virtual mini-plenary sessions to consider party motions from the ANC, EFF, IFP and ATM.
The United Nations marks the Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who lost their lives in the Second World War.
The 109th Giro d’Italia begins in Nessebar, Bulgaria before winding through Italy and finishing in Rome.
British naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough turns 100.
Saturday 9 May
In Hungary, Tisza party leader Péter Magyar is sworn in as Prime Minister after defeating Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party in the parliamentary elections.
Russia marks its annual Victory Day in Red Square. The parade will not feature military hardware this year due to fears of Ukrainian drone strikes.
The Venice Art Biennale opens.
Sunday 10 May
Mother’s Day is celebrated in South Africa.
Jewish organisations hold an ‘Extinguish Antisemitism’ march in central London, following a series of arson attacks on synagogues.
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