Parliament considers water reform legislation while Cape Town hosts major water and energy conferences and Zero Carbon Charge expands its EV network.
Monday 18 May
The National Assembly’s 31-member Phala Phala impeachment committee begins taking shape this week, with parties required to submit nominations by Friday. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to challenge the Constitutional Court ruling reviving the impeachment process may delay proceedings in Parliament.
The Constitutional Court begins hearing applications by the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town challenging the constitutionality of the Public Procurement Act.
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane leads a delegation to the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, focused on housing, urbanisation and resilient cities.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie leads the declaration ceremony of the Nelson Mandela Collection at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha.
The Black Womxn Caucus launches the “Batho ba Molao” project in Johannesburg, an initiative aimed at combating gender-based violence and rebuilding trust between communities and law enforcement.
The 79th World Health Assembly opens in Geneva, bringing together delegations from WHO member states to discuss global public health priorities.
The MV Hondius cruise ship docks in Rotterdam following a hantavirus outbreak linked to three deaths onboard.
G7 finance ministers and central bank governors meet in Paris under France’s G7 presidency.
Jury deliberations begin in federal court in California, in the lawsuit between Elon Musk and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman over claims the AI company abandoned its original non-profit mission in pursuit of profit.
Tuesday 19 May
President Cyril Ramaphosa bestows national orders on individuals recognised for contributions in democracy, public service, the arts, science and acts of bravery at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa addresses the Enlit Africa energy conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa co-hosts the Global Partnerships Conference in London focused on inclusive development and investment cooperation.
Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi face questions from MPs in the National Council of Provinces.
Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister David Mahlobo addresses the 4th Africa Water Supply and Sanitation Regulators Conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The National Assembly debates the budget votes of various departments in mini-plenaries.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation receives a briefing on the National Water Amendment Bill, which proposes stronger protections for water source areas and allows government to reallocate unused water licences.
Zero Carbon Charge opens the first of two new off-grid solar electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the N3 Leeukop Padstal in the Free State. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement in Parliament last week that government is finalising a comprehensive EV programme.
Wednesday 20 May
President Cyril Ramaphosa travels to Botswana for the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission focused on trade, energy, infrastructure and cross-border security cooperation.
Zero Carbon Charge opens another off-grid solar EV charging station on the N3 at Tugela in KwaZulu-Natal.
Debates on the budget votes of various departments continue in the National Assembly.
Statistics South Africa releases the Consumer Price Index for April 2026 amid expectations that higher fuel prices have pushed up inflation.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces his first Prime Minister’s Questions since heavy local election losses across England, Scotland and Wales triggered calls for his resignation.
Cher turns 80, becoming the only artist to have achieved a Billboard number one single in six consecutive decades.
Thursday 21 May
Deputy President Paul Mashatile answers questions in the National Assembly.
The UK Labour Party is expected to finalise Andy Burnham’s candidacy for the Makerfield by-election, potentially paving the way for a leadership challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
NATO foreign ministers gather in Helsingborg, Sweden for the spring meeting of the North Atlantic Council, chaired by Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
International Tea Day is marked internationally, recognising tea’s cultural heritage and economic importance to over 13 million smallholder farmers and workers worldwide.
Jewish communities mark the beginning of Shavuot at sunset.
Stephen Colbert hosts the final broadcast of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York.
Friday 22 May
Southern African Development Community foreign ministers gather at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park for a three-day retreat.
Parliamentary debates on departmental budget votes continue.
European Council president António Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen meet Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City for the eighth EU-Mexico summit.
Saturday 23 May
Rise Mzansi is expected to announce its Johannesburg mayoral candidate ahead of an increasingly contested race for control of South Africa’s biggest metro.
Barcelona face OL Lyonnes in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival concludes with the closing ceremony and announcement of the Palme d’Or and other competition prizes.
Sunday 24 May
Cypriots vote in legislative elections for the House of Representatives.
Guinea holds parliamentary elections to for its National Assembly.
The Cape Town Marathon takes place with 11-time World Marathon Majors champion Eliud Kipchoge participating.
The Canadian Grand Prix is held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montréal.
The French Open begins at Roland-Garros in Paris.
Pentecost Sunday is observed by Christians.
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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.