Parliament debates President’s budget vote amid Cabinet fallout and coalition tensions.
Monday 14 July
The ANC’s National Working Committee meets as tensions simmer in the Government of National Unity (GNU), and the country absorbs last week’s explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. On Sunday, President Ramaphosa announced a judicial inquiry into alleged criminal infiltration of law enforcement and placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile begins a working visit to China for the International Supply Chain Expo. Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, initially set to join, was reportedly instructed by President Ramaphosa to stay behind following controversy over Seta board appointments and claims she misled Parliament.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, will host the second technical meeting of the G20 Environment Working Group in Skukuza, Mpumalanga.
South African Social Security Agency CEO Themba Matlou will brief the media in Pretoria on social grant beneficiaries suspected of failing to disclose additional sources of income.
The Eastern Cape Division of the High Court will hear the first part of the appeal process in the case of Timothy Omotoso, the pastor accused of rape, human trafficking and sexual assault.
US President Donald Trump is expected to make a major announcement on Russia and the war in Ukraine.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council on Trade will meet in Brussels to review trade relations with the US and China.
South Africa, Zimbabwe and New Zealand begin a Twenty20 international cricket tri-series at Harare Sports Club, culminating on 26 July.
Banyana Banyana take on Mali in their final Group C match at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the clash set for Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.
Tuesday 15 July
The National Assembly will debate Parliament’s budget vote and consider reports on several matters, including a petition calling for investigations into attacks on farming communities.
The National Assembly will also hold mini-plenaries on the budget votes for National Treasury and Sport, Arts & Culture.
The Portfolio Committee on Health will hold public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, featuring submissions from the Lesedi Black Business Forum and the World Vapers Alliance.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts will hold hearings on the audit outcomes and financial statements of the South African Post Office.
World Youth Skills Day is observed to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
Wednesday 16 July
The National Assembly will hold a debate on the Presidency’s budget vote. Opposition parties are likely to tackle the President on what they believe is a lacklustre response to corruption allegations against members of his Cabinet.
The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy will be briefed by Eskom on its revised Just Energy Transition Plan.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration will receive briefings from the Government Employees Medical Scheme on its financial sustainability, and from the Government Employees Pension Fund on claim backlogs and the two-pot system.
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education will receive a briefing from the Commission for Gender Equality on its 2024 report into sexual harassment at institutions of higher learning.
Municipal by-elections will be held in four wards across three provinces: Ward 11 in Ngqushwa and Ward 34 in Nelson Mandela Bay (Eastern Cape), Ward 23 in AbaQulusi (KwaZulu-Natal), and Ward 13 in Polokwane (Limpopo).
Eskom will host a public awareness session in Table View, Cape Town to demonstrate the Koeberg nuclear power station’s safety and regulatory compliance in support of a 20-year licence extension.
The US Senate will hold a hearing on the AI industry’s use of copyrighted material for training purposes. There is growing legal and ethical concerns over data ingestion practices by major tech firms.
Thursday 17 July
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his reply to the Presidency budget vote debate in the National Assembly.
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago will co-chair the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit the United Kingdom to sign a landmark Anglo-German treaty with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, cementing cooperation on defence, economic growth and migration.
Protests are planned across the US under the banner “Good Trouble Lives On” marking the anniversary of civil rights icon John Lewis’s death. Organisers say over 400 demonstrations are expected nationwide in response to what they describe as Trump’s rollback of civil liberties and attacks on marginalised communities.
Friday 18 July
Nelson Mandela Day is observed globally in honour of the former South African President’s birthday. People everywhere are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to making a positive impact on their communities, in recognition of the 67 years Mandela dedicated to public service.
The ANC’s National Executive Committee is expected to meet and discuss the future of the GNU. Corruption allegations against Cabinet ministers Senzo Mchunu and Nobuhle Nkabane are also expected to feature, alongside preparations for the party’s National General Council in December.
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence will receive an update from Armscor on SANDF spare parts procurement and related delays.
Wu-Tang Clan will conclude their farewell tour, Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber, with a final performance in Philadelphia.
Saturday 19 July
The Springboks host Georgia in an international rugby Test match at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring to face WBC interim welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The headline bout pits the 45-year-old veteran against a rising star nearly two decades his junior.
Sunday 20 July
Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa will host the Fourth G20 Development Working Group Meeting at Skukuza Lodge in the Kruger National Park.
Japan holds elections for the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the National Diet, with 124 of 248 seats being contested. The vote is a critical test for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s minority government, which has struggled to pass legislation amid falling approval ratings and a political funding scandal.
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