South Africa stands at a political crossroads this week as the ANC and DA hold deliberations on the future of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Meanwhile, global tariff battles intensify, threatening further disruption to the world economy.
Monday 7 April
The ANC’s National Working Committee meets today to discuss the future of the GNU after the DA voted against the Budget last week. The DA’s Federal Executive is also expected to meet early this week, though the timing is unconfirmed.
National Assembly MPs begin constituency work until 17 April, addressing local issues and holding public consultations.
The G20’s Second Digital Economy Working Group meets in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
TED2025 kicks off in Vancouver, Canada with a speakers list that includes AI pioneer Sam Altman, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, cognitive scientist Steven Pinker, social commentator Khaya Dlanga and public health specialist Myriam Sidibe.
The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council will meet to discuss trade relations with the US and China.
It is World Health Day, with this year’s focus on maternal and newborn health. Nearly 300,000 women die annually from pregnancy or childbirth, and over 4 million babies either die in their first month or are stillborn.
The UN will host a commemorative ceremony at the General Assembly Hall to mark the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Tuesday 8 April
President Cyril Ramaphosa opens the inaugural Police Summit at Emperors Palace, Gauteng, focusing on enhancing SAPS efficiency through improved policing strategies, technology, and workforce development.
Later, President Ramaphosa will tour flagship programmes at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, before addressing the International Association of Women Judges Conference in Cape Town.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau and Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni launch the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund in Soweto.
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Arish, Egypt, near the Gaza Strip, to meet humanitarian and security workers and reinforce his support for a ceasefire in Gaza.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer appears before the Senate Finance Committee, following President Trump’s announcement of extensive reciprocal tariffs targeting China, the European Union and South Africa among other countries.
The UK’s King Charles begins a four-day state visit to Italy, just ten days after a hospital stay linked to cancer treatment side effects.
Wednesday 9 April
Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels will take place in Doha. These are the first direct negotiations since M23 captured eastern DRC’s two largest cities, leading to thousands of deaths and mass displacement.
The 9th Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will take place in Honduras. Presidents from countries including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Cuba will gather to discuss regional cooperation.
US reciprocal tariffs take effect today, targeting what President Trump describes as “countries that treat us badly”. In addition to the blanket 10% tariff on all imports to the US, South Africa faces an extra 30% tariff, bringing the total levy on South African goods to 40%.
Thursday 10 April
In retaliation for US tariffs, China will impose a 34% tariff on US goods, effective today. This follows President Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 54%. China’s countermeasures also include export controls on rare-earth minerals and the addition of several US companies to its “unreliable entity list.”
Defence ministers from the “Coalition of the Willing” for Ukraine, led by the UK and France, will meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels. They are expected to discuss plans for a new reassurance force to deter further Russian aggression.
The International Court of Justice will hold public hearings on Sudan’s case against the United Arab Emirates. Sudan accuses the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention by arming the Rapid Support Forces against the Masalit people in West Darfur.
14th-century philosopher William of Ockham passed away on this day in 1347. Ockham’s Razor, which advocates simplicity in problem-solving, continues to influence various fields of thought.
Friday 11 April
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa, and Unilever CEO Justin Apsey will launch the Jozini Smallholder Farmer Programme in KwaZulu-Natal.
The 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, hosted by the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will explore the theme “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World”.
Also in Turkey, jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the main opposition presidential candidate, is scheduled to appear in court following critical remarks about Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor. He remains imprisoned pending a separate corruption investigation which is widely viewed as politically motivated, sparking ongoing nationwide protests.
Saturday 12 April
Gabon will hold its presidential elections, the first since the 2023 coup that overthrew the Bongo dynasty after 56 years of rule.
Passover (Pesach), the eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, begins at sundown today.
Sunday 13 April
Christians mark Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week.
Ecuador will hold its presidential run-off election, with leftist candidate Luisa González slightly ahead in the polls against incumbent President Daniel Noboa.
The Bahrain Grand Prix takes place in Sakhir, marking the fourth race of the 2025 F1 season.
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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.