Parliament will this week hold a debate called by EFF leader Julius Malema on the US government’s decision to halt aid to South Africa, while ministers in the peace and security cluster will answer questions in the National Assembly. Events shaping the global agenda include US President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, the EU Summit on Ukraine, and the Arab League emergency meeting on Gaza.
Monday 3 March
A special cabinet meeting is scheduled to resolve the ongoing dispute over the Budget. It was reported on Sunday that the ANC’s revised VAT increase of 0,75% (down from the original 2%) is set to be rejected by the DA, opening the door for the EFF to join the ANC in government.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande visits schools in Bulwer, KwaZulu-Natal, as part of his Outreach Campaign to promote science careers to learners.
The first Agriculture Working Group Meeting under the G20 South Africa 2025 Presidency takes place.
The Mobile World Congress opens in Barcelona, showcasing the latest advancements in 5G, artificial intelligence and mobile technology.
The 53rd running of the world famous Iditarod sled dog race officially starts in Fairbanks, Alaska. A lack of snow due to changing weather patterns has forced organisers to make a last-minute change to the route.
Tuesday 4 March
The North Gauteng High Court hears the Board of Healthcare Funders’ (BHF) challenge to the constitutionality of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. The BHF represents medical schemes and administrators across Southern Africa.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies receives a briefing from the Department on digital migration, spectrum allocation and governance of state-owned entities.
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs reviews the Immigration Amendment Bill, which requires detained illegal foreigners to appear before a court within 48 hours.
Stats SA is set to release the 2024 Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures.
The United States implements new tariffs, imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on imports from China.
US President Donald Trump delivers a major speech before a joint session of Congress where he will share his “America First vision”. Although it will resemble a State of the Union address, the speech has not been officially designated as one.
Egypt hosts an emergency Arab League summit in Cairo to oppose US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population and redevelop the area. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been invited, marking a significant step toward rebuilding Syria’s ties with the Arab world following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
Wednesday 5 March
Centre for Development and Enterprise executive director Ann Bernstein hosts an online conversation with Argentina’s Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger. The discussion will centre on Argentina’s deregulation efforts under President Javier Milei.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry receives a briefing from the National Lotteries Commission on its revised annual performance plan and third-quarter financials.
The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy hears from National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on Eskom’s multi-year price determination and electricity pricing.
Ministers in the Peace and Security Cluster answer oral questions in the National Assembly:
> The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation addresses questions related to South Africa’s G20 presidency, Taiwan’s diplomatic office relocation, and alleged US tensions linked to AfriForum and Solidarity.
> The Minister in The Presidency will be questioned on the abuse of intelligence services under President Jacob Zuma and potential criminal action.
> The Minister of Police will outline SAPS crime-fighting priorities, detective vacancies, and unresolved case backlogs.
> The Minister of Home Affairs will respond to concerns over the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, digital identity integration, and the White Paper on migration reform.
> The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans will discuss SANDF operations in the DRC, including possible airstrikes.
> The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development will be asked about expanding circuit courts in prisons to ease overcrowding and case backlogs.
Thursday 6 March
Parliament holds a debate called by EFF leader Julius Malema on the US government’s decision to halt aid to South Africa. President Donald Trump has suspended nearly $440 million in aid, citing SA’s land expropriation policies and genocide case against Israel.
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul delivers the State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley.
European Union leaders meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels for a special summit on Ukraine and European security. This follows last Friday’s heated exchange between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the White House, which raised questions over future US support for Ukraine.
Friday 7 March
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence meets with the Defence Force Service Commission to discuss its latest annual report and the coexistence of the commission with military unions.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivers the keynote address at the 2025 US Monetary Policy Forum in New York, hosted by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
SXSW (South by Southwest) kicks off in Austin, Texas, bringing together leaders in tech, film, music, and culture for a week of panels, premieres, and performances.
Saturday 8 March
International Women’s Day is observed worldwide, highlighting ongoing gender inequality. According to the World Economic Forum, closing the global gender gap will take 134 years, based on disparities in economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment.
Lady Gaga will host and perform as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, coinciding with the release of her seventh studio album, Mayhem.
Sunday 9 March
Canada’s ruling Liberal Party holds a leadership election to choose a successor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January. Leading candidates include former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Government House Leader Karina Gould.
The International Cricket Council Champions Trophy final is scheduled to take place in Lahore, Pakistan.
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