United Nations to discuss fundamental freedoms in Iran ahead of Human Rights Day in South Africa.
Monday 16 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the keynote address at the opening of the inaugural Transport Conference at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe delivers the keynote address at the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference at Century City in Cape Town.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero is scheduled to launch the first phase of City Power’s electric vehicle charging station programme at the utility’s headquarters in Reuven. His appearance is uncertain following yesterday’s Sunday Times report that the ANC has decided to recall him as mayor.
Democratic Alliance MPs Mzamo Billy and Nicole Bollman visit a Capitec Bank branch in Umhlanga to observe the rollout of Home Affairs Smart ID services at participating bank branches.
The UN Human Rights Council discusses the human rights situation in Iran, with presentations by the Special Rapporteur on Iran and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney meets King Charles III in London and holds talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Tuesday 17 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa partakes in an Interview with Iziko Museum in Cape Town to reflect on the release of Nelson Mandela from prison.
Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane answer questions in the National Council of Provinces.
The National Assembly debates International Women’s Day and the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Bill of Rights.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is briefed on the Sanitary Dignity Programme.
AirBnb briefs the Tourism Portfolio Committee on its short rental model, compliance with applicable legislation and operational challenges.
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies is briefed on the acquisition of MultiChoice Group by Canal+ and the merger between Maziv and Vodacom.
South Africa Women face New Zealand Women in the second T20 International at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
The Proteas face New Zealand in the second T20 International at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Wednesday 18 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa convenes a Water Task Team Action Plan meeting at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.
Ministers in the governance cluster answer questions in the National Assembly.
Municipal by-elections are held in the Buffalo City, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Dr Beyers Naude Municipalities in the Eastern Cape, and in AbaQulusi and Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal.
StatsSA releases the February 2026 Consumer Price Index and January 2026 retail trade sales data.
The International Maritime Organization holds an extraordinary council meeting in London to discuss the impact of tensions in the Gulf region on shipping and seafarers, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese and US officials conclude trade talks in Paris as the two sides prepare for a summit between US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping later this month.
King Charles III hosts Nigerian president Bola Tinubu for a state visit to the United Kingdom at Windsor Castle, the first Nigerian state visit in 37 years.
Thursday 19 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa attends the News24 Summit on Unemployment, Growth and Jobs at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile answers questions in the National Assembly.
The National Assembly holds a debate on the escalating crisis in the Middle East and its implications for South Africa.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie answer questions in the National Council of Provinces.
European Union leaders meet in Brussels for a European Council summit to discuss the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and European defence readiness.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets US President Donald Trump in Washington for talks expected to cover defence spending, Japan’s investment in the US and regional security.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim community, marking the end of the month of Ramadan.
The New Year festivals Ugadi and Gudi Patwa are celebrated by the Hindu community.
Friday 20 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa participates in a land claims handover ceremony in Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile convenes a virtual meeting of the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa.
The Proteas face off against New Zealand in the 3rd T20I in Eden Park, Auckland.
South Africa Women face off against New Zealand in the 3rd T20I in Eden Park, Auckland.
The United Nations marks the International Day of Happiness.
Saturday 21 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the keynote address at a Human Rights Day commemoration in Kimberley.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile participates in the Alexandra Marathon.
The Economic Freedom Fighters launches its voter registration campaign at Winnie Madikizela-Mandela House in Johannesburg.
The United Nations observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, commemorating the victims of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre.
Sunday 22 March
Slovenia holds elections to choose members of the National Assembly.
World Water Day is celebrated globally to focus attention on freshwater management and access to safe water.
South Africa Women face New Zealand in the 4th T20I at HNRY Stadium in Wellington.
The Proteas face New Zealand in the 4th T20I at HNRY Stadium in Wellington.
Cape Town’s Jazz Week begins, leading up to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
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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.