MPs return from their constituencies for a busy week of committee meetings.
Monday 6 October
The Madlanga Commission investigating allegations of political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system is on a break and will resume proceedings next Monday.
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly set to unveil the party’s new economic action plan following a weekend NEC meeting.
Unite for Change – an alliance between Build One South Africa, GOOD and Rise Mzansi – begins its first working week following Sunday’s announcement of the parties’ merger ahead of the 2026 local elections.
DA Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral candidate Retief Odendaal, joined by DA leader John Steenhuisen, launches his campaign to “get NMB working again” in Algoa Park, Gqeberha.
A DA delegation visits the Weilers Farm Clinic in Kanana Park, Johannesburg, after it was revealed that 190 children under five were treated there for severe malnutrition last year.
National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane leads a delegation to Barbados for the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
French authorities are expected to release the autopsy report on former police minister and ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa, who was found dead outside a Paris hotel last week. His body will be repatriated once the report is finalised.
The International Court of Justice begins hearings on whether the right to strike is protected under International Labour Organisation Convention 87. South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands Vusi Madonsela will argue in support of the right.
The Fifth UN Forum of Mayors takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva under the theme Cities Shaping the Future.
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi travels to Moscow to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The Proteas Women cricket team face New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup in Indore, India.
The Jewish festival of Sukkot begins at sunset and continues through to nightfall on 13 October.
Tuesday 7 October
Deputy President Paul Mashatile attends the ‘Invest in Senegal Forum’ in Dakar at the invitation of Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
The Centre for Development and Enterprise releases its report South Africa’s Unemployment Catastrophe: A call for urgent action in an online briefing by CDE Executive Director Ann Bernstein, chaired by economist Wandile Sihlobo.
Trade union federation COSATU holds a nationwide socio-economic protest over retrenchments and job losses, with marches and pickets planned in major cities under Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act.
In Parliament:
- The Standing Committee on Public Accounts continues its inquiry into the Road Accident Fund.
- The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs holds a departmental briefing on the One-Stop Border Post Bill.
- The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition receives a briefing on the Afreximbank agreement to finance and promote trade within and beyond Africa.
- Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen briefs the Portfolio Committee on board appointments.
The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) hosts the Land, Life and Society international conference at the University of the Western Cape.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meets US President Donald Trump at the White House for talks. Ottawa is expected to push for tariff relief on autos, steel, and energy.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes his first official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders will deliver keynote addresses at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.
The International Energy Agency releases its annual Renewables 2025 report, providing forecasts and analysis of global renewable energy markets, policies, and challenges.
Jewish communities worldwide mark the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel with memorial events focused on mourning, unity, and solidarity with hostages and their families.
Wednesday 8 October
President Cyril Ramaphosa undertakes a state visit to Ireland, aimed at deepening bilateral relations, strengthening trade and investment ties, and expanding cooperation in education and technology.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives in South Sudan for a working visit.
In Parliament:
- The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration will receive a briefing on the Government Employee Medical Scheme.
- The Portfolio Committee on Transport will be briefed on the annual report of the South African National Roads Agency or SANRAL.
- The Portfolio Committee on Health receives briefings from the South African Medical Research Council, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, and the Mines and Works Compensation Fund on their annual reports.
UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch delivers the keynote address at the party’s annual conference in Manchester amid discontent within her party and defections to Reform UK.
Members of the European Parliament debate recent Russian violations of EU airspace and critical infrastructure.
Thursday 9 October
President Cyril Ramaphosa undertakes a working visit to Belgium.
National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse launches the MzansiXchange pilot in Pretoria to enable secure data exchange between government departments.
In Parliament:
- The Portfolio Committee on Health will be briefed by the National Health Laboratory Service and the Council for Medical Schemes on their annual reports.
- The Portfolio Committee on Social Development considers the annual report of the National Development Agency.
Seychelles holds a presidential run-off between President Wavel Ramkalawan and opposition leader Patrick Herminie after neither secured a majority in the first round.
Hillary Clinton is scheduled to give a deposition before the US House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 are released at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.
World Post Day is celebrated to mark the founding of the Universal Postal Union in 1874.
The 12th European Film Festival opens in Cape Town and Johannesburg, featuring films such as The North, A Perfectly Normal Family, Sirât, Le Mohican and Under the Volcano, exploring themes of identity, belonging and change across contemporary Europe.
The Proteas Women face India in the Women’s World Cup in Visakhapatnam, India.
Friday 10 October
Deputy President Paul Mashatile convenes the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture.
The G20 Trade and Investment Working Group holds a ministerial meeting in Gqeberha followed by its golf day in Cape St Francis.
In Parliament:
- The Department of Health will present its annual report to the Portfolio Committee.
- The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs will consider the Border Management Authority’s annual report, and receive a briefing on the roll-out of Home Affairs self-service kiosks.
The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation hosts the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum at the Champagne Sports Resort.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner is announced in Oslo.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Tajikistan.
Cuba observes Independence Day, marking the start of the war for independence from Spain in 1868.
North Korea marks Party Foundation Day, commemorating the 1945 founding of the predecessor to the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
World Mental Health Day is observed globally to raise awareness of mental health issues.
World Homeless Day is observed to advocate for better policies and more funding.
Bafana Bafana take on Zimbabwe in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Saturday 11 October
A Palestine Solidarity Campaign march takes place in London, with organisers accusing the UK government of complicity in Israel’s actions.
The Proteas play Namibia in a one-off T20 international at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
The Men’s Hockey Africa Cup of Nations begins in Egypt with South Africa facing Zambia in its opening match.
US hip-hop artist Travis Scott performs at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg as part of his Circus Maximus World Tour.
Sunday 12 October
A march for Palestine takes place from Grace Bible Church in Pimville, ending with a sermon by Rev Frank Chikane at Regina Mundi Church in Soweto.
Cameroon holds a presidential election with 92-year-old incumbent Paul Biya seeking another term.
Spain marks its National Day, the Fiesta Nacional de España, with a military parade and flypast in Madrid attended by the King and Queen.
The Proteas play Pakistan in the first of two Test matches at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
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