Stay informed with our essential overview of the key events and discussions set to shape the week in South Africa—covering developments in parliament, government, international affairs, and the economy.

Monday – 16 February 2026

• Mashatile to Assess Gauteng Water Supply Challenges

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will visit Johannesburg as part of government efforts to assess and respond to the ongoing water crisis in Gauteng. Mashatile, who chairs the national water task team, recently convened ministers and senior officials to review supply disruptions following electromechanical failures at pump stations operated by Rand Water, as well as a major pipeline burst that curtailed bulk water deliveries late last month.

Tuesday- 17 February 2026

• Parliament to Debate State of the Nation Address

Members of Parliament will reconvene for a two-day debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s annual state of the nation address. The debate provides lawmakers with an opportunity to interrogate the administration’s policy priorities and legislative agenda, assess implementation plans, and raise concerns around issues such as economic growth, fiscal consolidation, energy security and governance reforms.

Wednesday- 18 February 2026

• Stats SA to Release January CPI and Q4 Labour Force Survey Data

Statistics South Africa will publish its first consumer price index (CPI) print for 2026, with January’s data expected to show a slight easing in headline inflation on an annual basis. The moderation is likely to reflect lower fuel and food prices. The inflation release follows the publication of the fourth-quarter Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which provides an updated read on labour market conditions at the end of 2025.

Thursday – 19 February 2026

• Ramaphosa to Reply to State of the Nation Debate

Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver his reply to the State of the Nation Address debate, responding to criticism from opposition parties and clarifying the government’s policy stance. The response is expected to expand on implementation timelines and outline the administration’s approach to stabilising public finances and accelerating structural reforms.

Friday – 20 February 2026

• Free State to Deliver First State of the Province Address

The Free State will deliver the first of this year’s provincial state of the province addresses, formally setting out the provincial government’s priorities and policy agenda for the year ahead. The remaining eight provinces are scheduled to present their addresses in the following week, completing the annual cycle of provincial outlooks.