OCKHAM OBSERVER

An eye on the week ahead

Energy price hikes take effect

Fuel prices and electricity tariffs increase sharply ahead of the Easter weekend.

Monday 30 March
Statistics South Africa releases new data on child poverty for the period 2015–2023.

ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip and chief whip Lerato Ngobeni join a protest in KuGompo (formerly East London) against the reported coronation of a Nigerian Igbo king.

Media accreditation closes for the Democratic Alliance’s Federal Congress, scheduled for 11–12 April at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

France hosts a G7 meeting of finance ministers, energy ministers and central bank governors near Paris to address the economic and energy fallout from the Iran war.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa conducts a visit to Berlin to meet with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

International Day of Zero Waste is marked globally with a focus on food waste.

Tuesday 31 March
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition hosts the sixth South African Investment Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana launches the Infrastructure Finance and Implementation Support Agency programme office at the Investment Conference.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture is briefed on the suspension of Athletics South Africa’s president.

The Portfolio Committee on Transport meets to consider a petition on accessible public transport for persons with disabilities.

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber briefs the Portfolio Committee on the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel’s report.

Statistics South Africa releases quarterly employment statistics for the fourth quarter of 2025, based on a survey of formal sector businesses.

European Union energy ministers hold an extraordinary videocall to assess the impact of the Iran war on energy security.

Israel faces a statutory deadline to pass its national budget, with failure risking the dissolution of the Knesset.

Bafana Bafana face Panama at Cape Town Stadium in an international friendly.

Wednesday 1 April
The EFF and FF+ are expected to announce a merger to form the EFF+. The new party says its platform combines expropriation without compensation and the entrenchment of property rights.

Fuel price increases come into effect, with petrol projected to rise by around R5 per litre and diesel by up to R10 per litre in what would be the largest adjustment on record.

Eskom implements an 8.76% electricity tariff increase for direct customers following approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration meets to assess progress on implementing lifestyle audits.

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education hosts a colloquium on the provision of free menstrual hygiene products for girls and women.

Iran marks Islamic Republic Day as its conflict with Israel and the US continues.

Bahrain begins its term as President of the UN Security Council.

Jewish communities mark the first night of Pesach (Passover) at sundown.

Hindu communities observe Panguni Uthiram and Hanuman Jayanti.

South Africa Women face New Zealand Women in the second ODI in Wellington.

Thursday 2 April
The National Assembly concludes its first term, with MPs departing for the constituency period.

President of South Korea Lee Jae Myung hosts President of France Emmanuel Macron for a state visit. Discussions are expected to cover trade, investment and cooperation in areas such as AI, quantum technology, space and nuclear energy.

Friday 3 April
Good Friday is observed by Christian communities, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

The Food and Agriculture Organization releases its global food price index, providing an update on international food commodity trends.

Saturday 4 April
Voters in the Maldives take part in a constitutional referendum on aligning presidential and parliamentary elections.

Angola marks Peace Day, commemorating the end of the civil war in 2002.

South Africa Women face New Zealand Women in the third ODI in Wellington.

Sunday 5 April
Easter Sunday is celebrated by Christians, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

There will be no Ockham Observer next week on account of the Easter weekend.

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Ockham Communications relies on a range of sources to compile the Ockham Observer and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.