OCKHAM OBSERVER

An eye on the week ahead

Iran crisis to dominate global agenda

The week is set to be defined by diplomatic fallout and military escalation following strikes on Iran over the weekend.

Monday 2 March
Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina launches National Water Month in KwaZulu-Natal and conducts oversight visits to bulk water infrastructure projects, as parts of the country face ongoing water supply constraints.

The DA unveils its next steps to secure a stable water supply in Gauteng, with DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga, Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille and Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink outlining the party’s approach in Pretoria.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp opens the People and Parks National Conference in Kimberley.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This follows the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint strikes, and escalating Iranian retaliation across the region.

The International Atomic Energy Agency holds a special session in Vienna to discuss US and Israeli military strikes on Iran.

The United States assumes the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, with First Lady Melania Trump presiding over a session on children, technology and education in conflict.

Jewish communities observe Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people in ancient Persia.

Tuesday 3 March
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa opens The Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town.

The National Assembly meets in plenary to consider various motions, including one on the President’s salary, as well as a debate on International Mother Language Day.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation receives briefings on the annual reports of the Department and selected water boards in the midst of a widespread water crisis.

The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture receives an update from the Department on the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and containment measures.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, appears in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg on attempted murder charges.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visits Australia for talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House.

Primaries take place in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas ahead of the US midterm elections in November.

UN World Wildlife Day is observed internationally.

Wednesday 4 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town.

Ministers in the Peace and Security cluster answer questions in the National Assembly.

The National Assembly considers a joint interim report on the statutory rape of young girls, and a report on the Milnerton High School bullying incident.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police receives a briefing on South African National Defence Force deployments in the Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

The Portfolio Committee on Health receives a briefing from Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on the implementation of the National Health Insurance.

The US House of Representatives is expected to vote on a war powers resolution aimed at restricting President Donald Trump from engaging in military action against Iran without congressional approval.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons. This follows Labour’s loss of the Gorton and Denton by-election to the Green Party, with Reform UK in second place and his Labour Party falling to third.

Holi, the vibrant Hindu “Festival of Colours”, is celebrated over two days.

South Africa face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup semi-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Skateboarding World Championships begin in São Paulo, Brazil.

Thursday 5 March
Deputy President Paul Mashatile answers questions in the National Council of Provinces.

The Limpopo State of the Province address will be held in its Provincial Legislature in Lebowakgomo.

The Mpumalanga State of the Province address will take place in its Provincial Legislature in Mbombela.

Africa Energy Indaba 2026 hosts the fourth Annual EV Forum showcasing the future of electric vehicles in Africa.

The UN International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed globally.

Nepal holds general elections for its House of Representatives, the first vote since youth-led anti-corruption protests toppled the government in September 2025.

The Joburg Open begins at Houghton Golf Club.

The second semi-final of the T20 World Cup takes place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Friday 6 March
Parliament’s Standing and Select Committees on Finance receive a response from National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service to submissions on the 2026 Budget.

The Milan Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony takes place in the Verona Arena, Italy.

Saturday 7 March
US President Donald Trump will host the leaders of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, El Salvador, Ecuador and Honduras in Miami.

Sunday 8 March
Colombia holds elections for its House of Representatives and Senate.

International Women’s Day is observed globally.

The Cape Town Cycle Tour will take cyclists through a 109km route across the peninsula.

The T20 World Cup final takes place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Australian Grand Prix takes place in Melbourne at Albert Park.

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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.

To see the full parliamentary schedule, click here.