A US ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz expires as the Iran war hits the one-month mark, intensifying global energy disruption and inflation risks.
Monday 23 March
President Cyril Ramaphosa attends the reburial of Khoi and San ancestral human remains at the Kinderlê Monument in Steinkopf, Northern Cape.
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber conducts an oversight visit to the Beitbridge Port of Entry to assess readiness for Easter travel.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau briefs the media in Hatfield, Pretoria on government’s readiness for the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference.
Health Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena releases findings into two patient safety incidents in Gauteng, with remarks by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer appears before Parliament’s Liaison Committee to answer questions on defence and the international situation, including the conflict in Iran.
The CERAWeek energy conference opens in Houston, bringing together global energy leaders to discuss energy security following the escalation of the US-Israeli war with Iran.
Tuesday 24 March
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the official World Tuberculosis Day commemoration in Caledon.
The National Assembly considers the 2026 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals as part of the parliamentary process to approve the national budget.
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will make a statement in Parliament on the eradication of load reduction.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies holds a roundtable on proposed regulations for podcasts.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube briefs the Portfolio Committee on alleged irregularities in the appointment process for a senior communications post.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) briefs the media in Pretoria on the recall of specific Citro-Soda batches following a contamination risk identified at an Adcock Ingram facility.
A 48-hour ultimatum set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expires as the war enters a critical phase.
Denmark holds general elections for all 179 seats in the Folketing, including representatives from Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Wednesday 25 March
Ministers in the economics cluster answer questions in the National Assembly on a range of topics including interventions to sustain sugar mill operations, the impact of the Middle East conflict on oil supplies and an increase to the free basic electricity allocation.
Municipal by-elections take place in Du Noon in Cape Town and in Bridgton in Oudtshoorn.
Greece marks Independence Day, commemorating the 1821 uprising against Ottoman rule.
South Africa Women face New Zealand Women in the fifth T20I in Christchurch as the series concludes.
The Proteas also face New Zealand in the fifth T20I in Christchurch in the last match of the series.
Thursday 26 March
The South African Reserve Bank announces its interest rate decision following its Monetary Policy Committee meeting, with economists expecting rates to remain unchanged as earlier expectations of a cut are tempered by the Iran war.
StatsSA releases a report on child poverty trends from 2015 to 2023.
The World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference opens in Cameroon, bringing together trade ministers to review the state of the multilateral trading system.
G7 foreign ministers meet near Paris to discuss diplomatic efforts related to the war in Iran.
Venezuela’s former President Nicolás Maduro appears in a New York federal court for a hearing on drug trafficking and related charges.
Rama Navami, marking the birth of Lord Rama, is observed by Hindu communities.
Friday 27 March
Stellenbosch University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deresh Ramjugernath reflects on his first year in office at the Cape Town Press Club.
Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence receives a joint briefing from the South African National Defence Force and South African Police Service on preparedness for the planned domestic deployment announced in the 2026 State of the Nation Address.
Bafana Bafana will host Panama in an international friendly at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Kanye West (“Ye”) is scheduled to release his twelfth studio album, Bully.
Saturday 28 March
Earth Hour is marked globally, with individuals and organisations switching off lights for one hour in support of climate action.
“No Kings” protests take place across the United States, with a flagship rally in Minnesota, as activists mobilise against the Trump administration.
The Together Alliance leads a national march in central London against the far right.
Today marks one month since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Sunday 29 March
Palm Sunday is observed by Christian communities, marking the beginning of Holy Week.
The Japanese Grand Prix takes place at Suzuka Circuit.
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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.