Students are assembling at tertiary institutions all over the country.
Monday 2 February
Registration for the 2026 academic year is under way at universities across South Africa, with institutions urging students to complete enrolment timeously. Public universities are expected to turn away large numbers of qualified applicants due to capacity constraints.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie officiates a sod-turning ceremony to start refurbishment works at Eldorado Park Stadium in Gauteng.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi attend the handover of a Microsoft digital laboratory at Phefeni Secondary School in Soweto.
The Khayelitsha Regional Court hears sentencing proceedings in the murder case of Nosiphiwo James, after repeated postponements following the conviction of Sivuyile Tshabile.
McCloskey hosts its Steel and Ferroalloys Conference in Cape Town, bringing together manganese, chrome, and ferroalloy producers and industry stakeholders.
The Space Summit takes place in Singapore, focusing on critical infrastructure, environmental sustainability and the growth of the Asia-Pacific space sector.
IKEA closes seven stores across mainland China as part of a restructuring of its retail footprint, citing economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviour.
On this day in 1990, the ban on the African National Congress is lifted by President FW de Klerk, triggering the release of Nelson Mandela.
Tuesday 3 February
President Cyril Ramaphosa participates in the International Conference on Innovative Building Technologies at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile convenes a meeting of the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans.
Ward by-elections take place in Mogale City in Gauteng and in the Cederberg and Langeberg municipalities in the Western Cape.
In Parliament:
- The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services receives a briefing from the Department on unnatural deaths in correctional centres.
- The Portfolio Committee on Transport receives a briefing from the Minister on the festive season road safety statistics.
- The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) continues its Road Accident Fund enquiry.
US President Donald Trump hosts Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House for talks.
Wednesday 4 February
Deputy President Paul Mashatile participates in the fifth annual Matric Excellence Awards at the KwaMpumza Traditional Authority in KwaZulu-Natal.
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will address the Southern African Coal Conference 2026 in Cape Town.
In Parliament:
- The Standing Committee on Public Accounts continues its Road Accident Fund enquiry.
- The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans considers the introduction of the Defence Amendment Bill.
- The Portfolio Committee on Social Development receives an update on progress towards a Universal Basic Income Grant policy.
Ryan Routh will be sentenced for the attempted assassination of US President, Donald Trump.
The US convenes a meeting of allied foreign ministers to discuss reducing reliance on Chinese critical minerals and strengthening alternative supply chains, with talks expected to be hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the US and Russia expires, ending the last remaining legally binding limits on the two countries’ strategic nuclear forces.
An investment promotion and protection agreement between Hong Kong and Türkiye enters into force, guaranteeing fair treatment for investors.
World Cancer Day is observed.
The Proteas face off against India in a men’s T20 World Cup warm-up match in Navi Mumbai.
Thursday 5 February
President Cyril Ramaphosa undertakes an oversight visit to the SARS Command Centre in Pretoria.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile participates in the fifth National Men’s and Boys’ Parliament hosted by the South African National AIDS Council at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile convenes a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Traditional Leaders.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson addresses the Cape Town Press Club on the national strategy to tackle illegal profiteering in state construction, including the so-called “construction mafia”.
The Global Sumud Flotilla holds a press conference at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg to outline plans for its Spring 2026 civilian maritime aid mission to Gaza.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed.
Friday 6 February
Deputy President Paul Mashatile undertakes a Disaster Response Outreach Programme in Limpopo.
The Winter Olympics begin in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Dracula is released worldwide starring Christoph Waltz and Caleb Jones.
Saturday 7 February
The mandate for Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council ends with the risk of a power vacuum developing in the region.
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup begins, taking place across India and Sri Lanka.
Sunday 8 February
Japan will hold a general election following the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
Portugal holds the second round of its presidential election between socialist António José Seguro and André Ventura of the right-wing party, Chega.
Thailand will hold its general election to determine the composition of its House of Representatives.
The World Defense Show opens in Riyadh highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernise its military capabilities.
Martin Scorsese’s film Taxi Driver marks the 50th anniversary of its world premiere. Robert De Niro’s portrayal of troubled Vietnam War veteran Travis Bickle has become one of cinema’s defining performances.
Super Bowl LX takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show. US authorities have confirmed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence as part of the event’s security deployment.
If you would like an event to be considered for this newsletter, please email:
Ockham Communications relies on a range of sources to compile the Ockham Observer and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.