ANC leaders meet over Phala Phala as Parliament’s police committee considers the matter and the President faces questions in the National Assembly.
Monday 11 May
The ANC top seven meets to discuss the political fallout from the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Phala Phala matter, which could lead to parliamentary impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The case centres on allegations surrounding the theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s game farm.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen continues the nationwide foot-and-mouth disease vaccination campaign in Hazyview, Mpumalanga.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts launches the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
Professor Jonathan Jansen addresses the Cape Town Press Club on the proposed overhaul of the school history curriculum.
Botswana’s national mourning period for former President Festus Mogae continues following his death at the age of 86.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to deliver a speech setting out Labour’s response to heavy election losses across England, Scotland and Wales, as pressure mounts over his leadership.
Spain continues the evacuation and repatriation of passengers from the cruise ship MS Hondius in Tenerife following a hantavirus outbreak linked to three deaths onboard.
It is the deadline for national teams to submit provisional squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico. Iran is seeking guarantees that its players, coaches and officials will be permitted to participate in the tournament.
Tuesday 12 May
President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the Africa Travel Indaba at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers the keynote address at the 191st anniversary commemoration of Kumkani Hintsa kaKhawuta in Gcuwa in the Eastern Cape.
The National Assembly debates the budget votes of various departments in mini-plenaries.
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts conducts a hearing on the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s latest audit outcomes and a Special Investigating Unit probe into the metro.
Statistics South Africa publishes the first Quarterly Labour Force Survey of 2026, with economists expecting unemployment to edge higher following worsening global economic conditions.
Heads of state and government convene in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
EU defence ministers meet in Brussels to discuss military support for Ukraine, the war between Iran and the US and European defence readiness.
The Bahamas holds its general elections.
The Cannes Film Festival opens in France.
Wednesday 13 May
President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the opening of the Black Rock Infrastructure Investment Conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Debates on the budget votes of various departments continue in the National Assembly.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police considers the Independent Police Investigative Directorate report into the Phala Phala matter and receives a briefing on disciplinary action taken against implicated police officers.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts holds a hearing on the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s latest audit outcomes and Special Investigating Unit investigations.
Municipal by-elections take place in the Matlosana municipality in the North West and the Siyathemba and Dawid Kruiper municipalities in the Northern Cape.
King Charles III delivers the King’s Speech at the State Opening of the UK Parliament.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, begins a two-day visit to Italy focused on early childhood education. It is her first official overseas engagement since undergoing cancer treatment.
Thursday 14 May
President Cyril Ramaphosa answers questions in the National Assembly on investment, student debt relief, allegations against Minister Sisisi Tolashe, the suspension of the National Commissioner of Police and Operation Prosper – the joint SAPS-SANDF deployment to fight organised crime.
US President Donald Trump begins a two-day visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Israel and Lebanon hold a third round of ambassador-level talks at the US State Department in Washington.
Friday 15 May
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his annual address to the National Council of Provinces.
Parliamentary debates on departmental budget votes continue.
US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends, although he is likely to remain on the Federal Reserve Board until 2028.
Drake releases his ninth studio album, Iceman.
Saturday 16 May
The FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City is played at Wembley Stadium.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign holds its annual Nakba Day demonstration in central London, while right-wing activist Tommy Robinson leads a “Unite the Kingdom” march through the city.
The Eurovision Song Contest final takes place in Vienna, Austria. Five countries – Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain – are boycotting the event due to Israel’s participation.
The Great Wall Marathon takes place in Tianjin, China.
Sunday 17 May
The US-mediated cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon expires.
Cape Verde holds parliamentary elections.
The Hindu sacred month of Adhika Maas begins.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is observed worldwide.
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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.