South Africa launches the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign to highlight efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV). Parliament tackles a number of pressing issues including HIV/Aids, cybersecurity, STEM education and energy as South Africa assumes the G20 presidency for the first time.
Monday 25 Nov
The national launch of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children takes place in Rustenburg, North West. Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga will visit a local GBV shelter.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola will unveil a memorial plaque for late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at Freedom Park, marking the 47th UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The Africa Renewables Investment Summit begins in Cape Town, bringing together leaders and investors to discuss renewable energy projects across the continent. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau will represent South Africa.
The G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting opens in Fiuggi, Italy. Discussions are expected to cover conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, the crises in Haiti and Sudan, and the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Tuesday 26 Nov
The EFF will be in the Constitutional Court to challenge Parliament’s decision not to hold an impeachment inquiry into President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala controversy.
Parliament debates World AIDS Day, addressing the challenges faced by the 8 million South Africans living with HIV.
Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP will brief the Justice Portfolio Committee on two private members’ bills proposing a Cyber Commissioner and an Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Department of Transport will outline its Festive Season Road Safety Plan to the Portfolio Committee. Last season saw 1,184 fatal crashes, slightly down from 1,212 the previous year.
The Basic Education Portfolio Committee discusses strategies to improve STEM education. This comes ahead of next week’s release of the global Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), which has consistently ranked South Africa among the lowest performing countries.
The Minister of Home Affairs will address the Portfolio Committee on festive season readiness, including challenges at the Lebombo Port of Entry caused by the instability in Mozambique.
The European Parliament will debate continued support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Wednesday 27 Nov
The City of Cape Town hosts the 33rd International Project Management Association (IPMA) World Congress at the DHL Stadium. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and President of the Global AI Ethics Institute, Aco Momcilovic, will be speaking.
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will brief the Portfolio Committee on the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP), a government initiative aimed at expanding electricity access in under-served areas.
The Portfolio Committee on Police meets to receive briefings on second-quarter crime statistics, extortion, festive season safety operations and strengthening detective services.
Ministers in the economics cluster will answer parliamentary questions on the public sector wage bill, banking sector discrimination, graduate unemployment, electricity prices, the Post Office, the Integrated Energy Plan and the Gas Master Plan.
Namibia votes in closely-contested presidential and parliamentary elections, with SWAPO’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hoping to become the country’s first female president. She is up against Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC).
Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan to discuss regional security and alliance cooperation.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will host Nordic and Baltic leaders in Harpsund to discuss regional security, transatlantic relations, and continued support for Ukraine.
Thursday 28 Nov
Local company Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) will launch South Africa’s first solar-powered EV charging station in Wolmaransstad, with Premier Lazarus Mokgosi in attendance.
Parliament will debate tax bills that aim to align South Africa with international tax standards for a global minimum corporate tax rate.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) will release its Global Wage Report 2024-25, highlighting trends in wage inequality and real wage growth.
President Joe Biden will pardon two turkeys in the White House’s Thanksgiving tradition.
Friday 29 Nov
It is Black Friday, with South African consumers expected to surpass last year’s R11.3 billion in spending as they rush to purchase heavily discounted goods.
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of its December reopening, five years after the 2019 fire.
Ireland holds its general election, with Fine Gael seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term amid a resurgence in polls.
Saturday 30 Nov
Iceland holds parliamentary elections following the collapse of the coalition government over foreign policy, asylum seekers and energy issues.
Sunday 1 Dec
South Africa assumes the G20 presidency for the first time since the forum’s inception in 1999. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to prioritise inclusive growth, food security, artificial intelligence and Global South interests.
Heads of state from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE gather at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders’ summit to discuss economic cooperation, energy security and regional stability.
Romania is set to hold parliamentary elections on the country’s National Day, amid a rise in far-right sentiment.
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