The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into political interference in the criminal justice system begins under Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
Monday 15 September
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa addresses ANC councillors at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to review progress ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis host the Expanded Public Works Programme Listening Tour in Tafelsig.
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela briefs the media on readiness for the 2026 academic year.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi launches National Wills Week at the Johannesburg Master’s Offices to promote free drafting of wills and access to justice.
Cosatu holds its eighth central committee meeting in Benoni, bringing together 400 members to review resolutions, provide political direction, and prepare for the 2026 national congress.
Utah Valley University is due to reopen following the shooting and killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on campus.
The emergency Arab-Islamic summit continues in Doha, with delegates discussing regional security and a response to the Israeli strike on Qatar.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits the City of David archaeological park in Jerusalem following meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Syria holds its first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointing one third of the 210 seats and the rest elected under a temporary constitution.
EU Health Ministers hold an informal meeting to discuss cross-border healthcare, pandemic preparedness and health system resilience.
Tuesday 16 September
The Constitutional Court begins hearings in Sustaining the Wild Coast NPC and Others v Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy and Others, a case which challenges Shell and Impact Africa’s exploration rights along the Wild Coast.
In Parliament:
- The National Assembly will consider performance reports on the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
- Finance Minister Enoch Gondwana briefs the Standing Committee on Finance regarding the Government Pension Administration Agency.
- The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs deliberates on the One Stop Border Post Bill, receives a legal opinion on the certification of the Marriage Bill, and considers its Strategic Plan and Annual Performance.
- The Portfolio Committees on Basic Education and on Communications and Digital Technologies hold a joint meeting to discuss school connectivity.
Malawi holds general elections to elect the president, members of the National Assembly, and local government councillors.
President Donald Trump arrives in the United Kingdom for an unprecedented second state visit hosted by King Charles III.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki visits Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The first One-Day International between South Africa’s Women’s side and Pakistan will be held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
UEFA Champions League group stage matches begin.
Wednesday 17 September
The Madlanga Commission opens in Pretoria to investigate allegations of political interference and criminal infiltration in the justice system. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is expected to testify first against former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
By-elections take place in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal and Ephraim Mogale in Limpopo.
The National Assembly holds a plenary session for oral questions to ministers responsible for peace and security.
Also in Parliament:
- The Standing Committee on Finance is briefed by National Treasury and SARS on the annual draft Tax Bills.
- The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure is briefed by the Department on the outcomes of the George collapse forensic report.
- The Portfolio Committee on Police considers petitions submitted by the public.
Stats SA releases the August 2025 Consumer Price Index, providing the latest data on inflation.
Stats SA also releases its July 2025 retail trade sales report, providing insight into consumer spending trends.
A ‘Trump not welcome’ demonstration against the US President’s UK state visit takes place in London.
The World Health Organization marks World Patient Safety Day to raise global awareness of safe healthcare practices.
Thursday 18 September
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee meets for its penultimate interest rate decision of the year. Economists are split between a rate hold and a further 25 basis point cut.
President Cyril Ramaphosa faces former President Jacob Zuma in the Pretoria High Court as Zuma challenges Senzo Mchunu’s leave of absence and the appointment of Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister.
The National Assembly meets to consider the Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Amendment Bill and reports from the Employment and Labour Committee. MPs will also debate Heritage Day.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa host the G20 Agriculture Working Group Ministerial Meeting in Somerset West.
Stats SA releases July 2025 wholesale and motor trade sales data and publishes the 2024 Provincial GDP figures.
US President Donald Trump meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers for bilateral talks, followed by a joint press conference.
Former US Vice President Mike Pence is interviewed by Tim Alberta at The Atlantic Festival in New York on the future of conservatism.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hosts Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for trade talks in Mexico City as both countries seek to shield their economies from US tariff hikes.
Nationwide strikes take place in France as citizens protest proposed fiscal reforms.
EU environment ministers meet in Brussels to negotiate updated climate laws, aiming for a binding 2040 emissions target ahead of COP30.
The UN marks International Equal Pay Day, focusing on closing the gender pay gap.
Chile celebrates Independence Day, marking the 1810 declaration that began the country’s path to sovereignty from Spain.
London Fashion Week 2025 showcases Spring/Summer 2026 collections from British and international designers.
Friday 19 September
Five young scientists will receive the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize at a ceremony in Paris.
The second One-Day International between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women takes place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Saturday 20 September
The Fidelity ADT Lions face Suzuki Griquas in the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division final in Johannesburg.
Afrikaans is Groot returns to Cape Town for the first time since 2018 with a sold-out centenary concert at DHL Stadium featuring leading Afrikaans artists.
The DSTV Delicious Festival kicks off at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit with performances from Lauryn Hill, Don Toliver, Wycleaf Jean and YG Marley.
Russia hosts the revived Intervision Song Contest in Moscow, promoted by President Vladimir Putin as a cultural counterweight to Eurovision. Participating countries include Belarus, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, Cuba, Qatar, and the US.
Sunday 21 September
Guinea holds a constitutional referendum set by junta leader Mamady Doumbouya as a potential step toward restoring civilian rule following the 2021 coup.
The United Nations marks the International Day of Peace.
Climate Week 2025 begins in New York.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place on the streets of Baku.
The 51st Berlin Marathon takes place on a famously flat, fast course through the streets, starting and finishing at the Brandenburg Gate.
If you would like an event to be considered for this newsletter, please email:
Ockham Communications relies on a range of sources to compile the Ockham Observer and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.