While South Africa pauses for Freedom Day and Worker’s Day, voters head to the polls in Canada, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Romania, the UK, and – back at home – in KwaZulu-Natal, where a key by-election takes place.
Monday 28 April
Today is a public holiday in South Africa to commemorate Freedom Day.
South African Members of Parliament are on leave this week, with proceedings resuming on 6th May.
BRICS foreign ministers gather in Rio de Janeiro for their first meeting under Brazil’s 2025 chairmanship, ahead of a wider summit in July. The talks are expected to focus on health cooperation, multilateral reform, and greater coordination across the Global South.
Canada holds a snap federal election called by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau in March. The campaign has been shaped by tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump and a cost-of-living crisis.
Trinidad and Tobago also holds a general election after Prime Minister Stuart Young dissolved Parliament in March. The governing People’s National Movement is facing strong competition from Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s United National Congress.
The International Court of Justice begins a week of public hearings in The Hague on Israel’s obligations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Forty states and four international organisations are set to present arguments following the UN General Assembly’s request for an advisory opinion.
EU environment ministers gather in Warsaw to discuss how to counter climate-related disinformation and strengthen public trust in environmental policy.
Tuesday 29 April
President Trump marks his 100th day in office with a rally in Macomb County, Michigan – a battleground state he narrowly won in 2024. The visit follows his Oval Office encounter with Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who has criticised his tariff policies as harmful to Michigan’s auto industry.
The UN Security Council holds its quarterly open debate on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question,” chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The debate comes amid renewed hostilities in Gaza, escalating humanitarian concerns, and ongoing diplomatic paralysis.
Arsenal host Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final with supporters from the ‘Gunners for Peace’ campaign urging both clubs to end their sponsorship deals with Rwanda over its alleged role in violence in eastern Congo. Joint fan action is being discussed, with armbands handed out to cover the ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo on the clubs’ shirts.
South Africa face India in Colombo in the opening match of the women’s cricket ODI tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka.
Wednesday 30 April
A by-election takes place in Ward 18 of KwaZulu-Natal’s Mandeni Municipality following the assassination of ANC councillor Phendukani Mabhida, who had spoken out against alleged municipal corruption. The ANC, IFP, EFF and MK Party are contesting the seat.
The DA’s deadline for councillor applications closes, as the party seeks to build its slate of candidates for the 2026/27 local elections. The recruitment drive targets “solutions-driven” leaders to contest municipalities the DA says are in urgent need of rescue.
G20 delegates meet in Cape Town for the second Energy Transitions Working Group, as South Africa hosts talks on advancing a just and inclusive transition to cleaner energy.
International Jazz Day is celebrated in over 190 countries. Abu Dhabi is hosting this year’s flagship concert featuring global artists and events that promote jazz’s role in fostering peace, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
The Committee to Protect Journalists releases a report assessing press freedom in the US after President Trump’s first 100 days. The report looks at targeted attacks on journalists, regulatory abuses and restrictions on media access.
Thursday 1 May
South Africa marks Worker’s Day with rallies, marches and union events across the country.
Today would have marked the introduction of a 0.5% VAT increase, but a DA court challenge forced Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to back down. A High Court order on Sunday formally suspended the hike, keeping VAT at 15%. The ruling averts confusion for vendors and consumers, but leaves Treasury needing to rework the fiscal framework and budget.
Local elections take place across England, with more than 1,600 council seats and six mayoralties being contested. It is the first major test of public sentiment since Labour’s general election victory last year. Reform UK, buoyed by rising poll numbers, is fielding candidates in nearly every ward.
Friday 2 May
South Africa’s women’s cricket team return to action in Colombo as they face Sri Lanka in the second fixture of the women’s ODI tri-series.
Saturday 3 May
Australians vote in a federal election to decide all 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 of 76 Senate seats. Labor, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, seeks a second term, facing off against Peter Dutton’s Liberal–National Coalition.
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on 3rd May, commemorates the 1991 Windhoek Declaration advocating for free, independent, and pluralistic media. This year, the focus is on “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.
Fierce Premier Soccer League rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates meet in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.
Sunday 4 May
Romanians are scheduled to vote in the first round of a rerun presidential election marred by legal wrangling and disinformation concerns. The original result, won by far-right, pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu, was annulled following intelligence reports of cyber-attacks and foreign interference.
The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix takes place at the Miami International Autodrome, the first of three US races on this season’s calendar.
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