The Thabo Mbeki Foundation and four others have withdrawn from Friday’s National Convention.
Monday 11 August
DA leader John Steenhuisen will announce a plan to reform broad-based black economic empowerment, employment equity and expropriation in Bruma, Johannesburg. He will be joined by key DA Cabinet Ministers in the Government of National Unity.
The UN Security Council holds a high-level open debate on maritime security, chaired by Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino. The debate will address piracy, illicit trade, and the protection of maritime infrastructure.
A US trial over the National Guard’s deployment to Los Angeles begins, with plaintiffs challenging the legality and proportionality of the Trump administration’s response to recent civil unrest.
Bafana Bafana face Guinea in the African Nations Championship at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Tuesday 12 August
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the National Dialogue takes place in preparation for the National Convention on Friday.
The Department of Trade, Industry & Competition and the Department of Agriculture brief the media on South Africa’s response to the 30% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The briefing will outline measures being implemented to protect national economic interests, including the establishment of an export support desk for affected companies.
Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa hosts a media briefing in Pretoria on the latest Development Indicators Report and the Biannual Monitoring Reports for the 2024–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan.
Stats SA releases the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q2 2025 at a briefing in Pretoria.
The Portfolio Committee on Health holds public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. Participants include British American Tobacco and the Independent Community Pharmacy Association.
The 90-day extension to the US–China tariff reduction agreement expires, raising uncertainty over the future of trade concessions between the world’s two largest economies.
The UN marks International Youth Day, celebrating young people’s contributions to education, employment, and social justice.
Wednesday 13 August
The African Union Water Investment Summit 2025 takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The Summit focuses on mobilising investments for climate-resilient water and sanitation projects across Africa under South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
World Prosecco Day is celebrated globally, toasting the sparkling Italian wine known for its fresh, fruity flavour.
International Left-Handers Day is observed to acknowledge the unique strengths and challenges faced by left-handed individuals in a predominantly right-handed world.
UEFA Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur face Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup in Udine, Italy.
Thursday 14 August
Stats SA publishes its Residential Property Price Index for March 2025, providing data on trends in property values across provinces and housing types.
The Portfolio Committee on Health continues public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. Participants include Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research at the University of Pretoria, the World Health Organisation, and the Cancer Association of South Africa.
British Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson discusses strengthening transatlantic relations at the Chicago Council Conference Centre.
The UN Environment Programme’s committee on plastic pollution wraps up negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to curb plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems.
Former Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir Frankly is released today. It includes reflections on her arrest over Scottish National Party finances, her miscarriage, and her views on sexuality.
Friday 15 August
The National Convention is scheduled to take place at UNISA, Pretoria, marking the start of the National Dialogue. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Steve Biko Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, and FW de Klerk Foundation have all withdrawn, accusing the government of hijacking the process. The DA has condemned the dialogue as an ANC electioneering ploy.
President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The White House is also considering inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join the discussions, though no final decision has been made.
Beijing hosts the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games, with over 500 robots from 127 companies competing in sports events like basketball, badminton, and free fighting.
India celebrates Independence Day, commemorating 78 years of freedom from British rule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a speech in New Delhi.
The Republic of the Congo marks its Independence Day, commemorating 65 years since gaining sovereignty from France in 1960.
The English Premier League season begins with Liverpool v Bournemouth at Anfield.
Saturday 16 August
A “Stop Starving Gaza” march takes place in New York City, as protesters call for an end to the blockade and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
South Africans reflect on the Marikana massacre of 2012, when police shot and killed 34 striking mineworkers at a platinum mine – the deadliest use of force by security forces in post-apartheid South Africa.
Sunday 17 August
Today is the 80th anniversary of the publication of George Orwell’s classic novel Animal Farm. It endures as a pertinent allegory of how revolutions can be co-opted and betrayed by those who take power.
The 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community takes place in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The Summit will focus on industrialisation, agricultural transformation, and energy transition.
It is the deadline for a final agreement in the DRC–M23 peace negotiations, as mediators push for a resolution to end hostilities in eastern Congo and stabilise the region.
Bolivia holds general elections, with voters choosing a new president, vice-president, and members of the Legislative Assembly.
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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.