Afrikaner ‘refugees’ arrive in US, Pope Leo XIV inaugurated, and key health conference opens.
Monday 12 May
The Board of Healthcare Funders opens its annual conference in Cape Town, focused on healthcare reform and universal health coverage. It follows BHF’s court victory last week compelling President Ramaphosa to release the record of his decision to sign the NHI Bill into law.
The Department of Social Development continues its national Child Protection Campaign following the launch by Minister Sisisi Tolashe.
Minister of Communications Solly Malatsi launches the Digital Transformation Roadmap aimed at integrating public services and establishing a national digital identity.
Fifty four Afrikaners granted refugee status by the US are set to arrive in Washington DC. In response, President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson said that “our sovereignty as a country is being grossly undermined and violated by the US”.
Donald Trump is anticipated to make a major announcement described as “earth-shattering”, although the exact timing and subject are not confirmed.
Opening arguments begin in the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is accused of running a sex trafficking ring and abusing women over two decades.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is in China ahead of next week’s summit between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
Filipinos vote in general elections to fill 12 Senate seats and all 317 seats in the House of Representatives, in a contest expected to consolidate the Marcos-aligned majority in Congress.
International Nurses Day marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, born in Florence, Italy in 1820, who pioneered modern nursing as a profession for women.
Tuesday 13 May
Statistics South Africa releases the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey at a media briefing in Pretoria.
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy briefs the Portfolio Committee on Easter road safety statistics and oversight visits to Transnet, SAA and SANRAL.
The Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries hears from the metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Mangaung on their waste management strategies and the state of landfill sites.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau briefs the Portfolio Committee on the implementation of the BEE Codes of Good Practice and industry sector transformation.
Donald Trump begins a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He is expected to confirm whether the US will start calling the Persian Gulf the “Arabian Gulf,” a move likely to provoke a reaction from Iran.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival opens in France with the screening of Leave One Day by Amélie Bonnin. French actress Juliette Binoche serves as jury president, and Robert De Niro is to receive an honorary Palme d’Or.
Wednesday 14 May
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero delivers his State of the City Address amid mounting criticism over failed service delivery, including water shortages, power outages and ailing infrastructure. The DA has tabled a motion of no confidence in both Morero and the council Speaker.
The Portfolio Committee on Health is briefed by Nedlac on its submission regarding the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa briefs the Portfolio Committee on Eskom’s winter outlook, with additional presentations on clean coal technologies.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga briefs the Portfolio Committee on the SANDF’s withdrawal from the DRC.
The Portfolio Committee on Police discusses attacks on long-haul bus operations.
Ministers in the Peace and Security cluster answer oral questions in the National Assembly, covering Police, Justice, Defence, Correctional Services, and International Relations.
The G20 holds its second Task Force 1 meeting on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.
NATO foreign ministers gather in Antalya, Turkey for an informal two-day meeting.
The International Energy Agency releases its Global EV Outlook 2025, analysing electric vehicle adoption trends, battery markets, and policy frameworks.
Thursday 15 May
The National Assembly considers the Joint Standing Committee on Defence’s report on the midterm strategic review of the South African National Defence Force.
The National Assembly debates a petition calling for the provision of free sanitary pads and improved menstrual health services.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) launches its report How’s Life for Children in the Digital Age? in Paris. The report examines risks and opportunities for children online and calls for coordinated action to protect and empower young users.
Friday 16 May
Salman Rushdie’s attacker, Hadi Matar, is scheduled to be sentenced in New York for the 2022 stabbing that left the author blind in one eye.
Leaders from 47 countries gather in Tirana, Albania, for the sixth European Political Community Summit under the theme “A new Europe in a new world”.
Saturday 17 May
Iraq hosts the annual Arab League summit in Baghdad for the first time since 2012. The government has implemented a ban on protests following criticism over the invitation to Syria’s President Ahmad Al Shara, a former Al Qaeda figure.
US rapper, entrepreneur and media personality Snoop Dogg delivers the commencement address at the USC Marshall School of Business in Los Angeles.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is observed worldwide to highlight discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people. It commemorates the WHO’s 1990 decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
Crystal Palace face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the 144th FA Cup final.
Sunday 18 May
Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, will celebrate his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The ceremony, to mark the formal start of his pontificate, is expected to draw global dignitaries.
Romania holds the runoff of its presidential election between far-right candidate George Simion and independent candidate Nicușor Dan. The election follows the annulment of the 2024 vote over alleged Russian interference, which plunged the country into a political crisis.
Voting takes place in the first round of Poland’s presidential election, with the ruling coalition aiming to avoid a runoff between conservative frontrunner Karol Nawrocki and liberal Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.
Portugal holds a snap legislative election after the minority government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro fell in a confidence vote over a business scandal.
Chelsea take on defending champions Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
The Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is held at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, a historic track in northern Italy.
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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.