Diplomatic efforts to resolve Ukraine conflict intensify while at home, a R4bn fuel levy comes into effect.
Monday 2 June
Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla speaks at a World No-Tobacco Day event in Midrand to mobilise support for the Tobacco Control Bill. Partners include the WHO, SA Medical Research Council and anti-smoking advocacy groups.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joins NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and leaders from NATO’s eastern and northern flanks at the Vilnius Summit.
Russia has proposed ceasefire talks in Istanbul for today. However, Ukraine has yet to confirm its attendance, saying it first needs a written proposal outlining Moscow’s terms.
The United Nations 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction begins in Geneva. Cloud-based AI data platform Snowflake opens its annual summit in San Francisco with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman delivering the keynote.
Tuesday 3 June
The Electoral Court is expected to hear the MK Party’s third attempt to overturn the 2024 election results, arguing that the outcome was not reflective of the will of the people. However, the hearing may be delayed due to a new MKP application over withheld documents.
Stats SA releases South Africa’s GDP figures for the first quarter of 2025.
The Portfolio Committee on Health will hold public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, with submissions from Sun International, Tsogo Sun and others.
The Portfolio Committee on Transport will receive an update from the Road Accident Fund board and continue public hearings on the Merchant Shipping Bill.
The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition will receive a briefing from the Department on the Transformation Fund.
The Standing and Select Committees on Finance will consider the draft report on the fiscal framework and revenue proposals.
The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture will be briefed by SAFA on governance issues, progress on VAR implementation and leadership controversies.
South Korea holds a snap presidential election to replace Yoon Suk Yeol following his impeachment and removal from office.
Arnold Schwarzenegger hosts the Austrian World Summit in Vienna, joined by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. The theme of the event is “Terminate Pollution”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hosts French President Emmanuel Macron in Rome for bilateral talks focused on European and international issues.
The OECD Ministerial Council Meeting opens in Paris. It coincides with the release of the OECD’s latest Economic Outlook, providing updated global forecasts and analysis.
World Bicycle Day is marked globally to highlight cycling as an affordable, healthy and sustainable mode of transport.
Wednesday 4 June
A fuel levy increase comes into effect, raising the general levy to R4.01c/l for petrol and R3.85c/l for diesel – the first hike in three years. Treasury estimates it will generate R4bn in revenue. The EFF has approached the Western Cape High Court to interdict the increase, arguing it bypassed parliamentary processes.
Ministers in the governance cluster answer questions in the National Assembly.
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development will deliberate on appointments to the South African Human Rights Commission and the Deputy Public Protector.
The Portfolio Committee on Police will consider audit findings on material irregularities at the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), the body responsible for regulating South Africa’s private security sector.
The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition will engage steel industry stakeholders on the implementation of the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan.
The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy will be briefed by Sasol, the Central Energy Fund (CEF) and others on the looming “gas cliff” – a supply shortfall expected when key gas contracts expire without alternative sources in place.
The Ukraine Defence Contact Group, convened by the UK and Germany, meets at NATO Headquarters in Brussels for further discussions on military assistance to Ukraine.
Muslims from around the world begin the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
On this day in 1913 British suffragette Emily Davison was fatally injured during a protest at the Epsom Derby. Six years later, in 1919, the US Senate passed an amendment granting women the vote – two defining moments in the fight for women’s suffrage.
Thursday 5 June
National Treasury and the OECD launch the 2025 OECD Economic Survey of South Africa in Johannesburg. The report includes a special focus on electricity and the green transition.
Burundi holds parliamentary elections for both the National Assembly and the Senate. The vote will determine 100 directly elected MPs and 36 Senators, with ethnic and gender quotas guiding final seat allocations.
Palestinians mark Naksa Day with demonstrations and events to commemorate their displacement during the 1967 Six-Day War.
World Environment Day, hosted by South Korea, focuses on tackling plastic pollution, urging global action to reduce single-use plastics and protect ecosystems.
Beyoncé kicks off the first of six sold-out shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of her Cowboy Carter World Tour.
John Maynard Keynes, the influential British economist whose theories on government intervention shaped modern macroeconomics, was born on this day in 1883.
Friday 6 June
The National Assembly holds virtual mini-plenary sessions. Topics include whistleblower protection and a proposed censure of the Minister of Finance for alleged mishandling of the budget process.
Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, begins.
Three Iranian men appear in a London court over an alleged Iran-linked plot targeting UK-based Iran International journalists.
On this day in 1995, South Africa’s Constitutional Court abolished the death penalty, declaring it incompatible with the country’s democratic constitution and commitment to human rights.
Wu-Tang Clan launches Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber, its farewell tour, in Baltimore.
Saturday 7 June
Monaco hosts the Blue Economy and Finance Forum with keynote addresses by French President Emmanuel Macron and others. The focus is on ocean finance, maritime decarbonisation and governance.
African Border Day is marked across the continent to promote peace, regional integration, and cross-border cooperation.
The French Open women’s singles final takes place at Roland Garros in Paris, concluding the second Grand Slam of the tennis calendar.
Sunday 8 June
Voters in Italy head to the polls for five referendums on labour protections and citizenship requirements. The referendums seek to repeal key provisions of the Jobs Act and reduce the residency period for non-EU foreigners to apply for citizenship.
On this day in 1949, George Orwell published Nineteen Eighty-Four, his landmark dystopian novel that coined terms like ‘big brother’, ‘thought police’ and ‘doublethink’ in a powerful and enduring critique of totalitarianism.
The men’s singles final of the French Open takes place at Roland Garros in Paris, concluding the clay court Grand Slam tournament.
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