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 – 17 August 2026
- 46th SADC Ordinary Summit to Conclude in Durban
The Southern African Development Community’s 46th Ordinary Summit concludes on Monday in Durban, where South Africa will officially assume the SADC chairpersonship from the outgoing chair. The summit, hosted at the Durban International Conference Centre, has focused on industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture, critical minerals transformation and regional migration policy across the bloc’s 16 member states.
- SACCI Business Confidence Index (July 2026)
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry releases its Business Confidence Index for July on Monday morning. The Index fell to a seven-month low of 123.6 points in April before stabilising at 124.1 points in May, and July’s reading will show whether stronger vehicle sales have offset the drag from rising producer inflation and softer tourism arrivals. Business confidence readings are a leading indicator for investment and hiring intentions across the private sector. A further stall or decline would reinforce a cautious operating environment, while any uptick would support arguments for accelerating planned capital expenditure.
Tuesday – 18 August 2026
- ANC Mayoral Candidates Expected Ahead of Manifesto Launch
After a further delay, the ANC is expected to finalise and announce its mayoral candidates for the country’s eight metros this week. The latest delay over the weekend was attributed to a lengthy internal selection process. The party had originally hoped to install its candidates as incumbent mayors ahead of the local government elections, a plan now abandoned with under eighty days to polling day.
- Madlanga Commission to Lay Charges Against Carrim
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has announced its intention to lay criminal charges against North West businessman and ANC official Suliman Carrim, following his repeated failure to appear before it. Further detail on the process, which will involve the South African Police Service, is expected this week as the Commission continues to hear testimony, including from MP Fadiel Adams on Wednesday. The Commission’s willingness to escalate to criminal charges against a non-compliant witness signals a firmer approach to enforcing cooperation, which may accelerate its findings on alleged criminal justice system infiltration.
Wednesday – 19 August 2026
- Phala Phala Impeachment Committee to Discuss Evidence Leader
Parliament’s ad hoc impeachment committee for the Section 89 inquiry meets on Wednesday to be briefed on the appointment of an evidence leader and to consider its draft terms of reference. The committee, informally known as the Phala Phala impeachment committee, will also adopt its minutes at the sitting. Progress on this committee remains a marker of parliamentary oversight functioning and political stability at the highest level of government. Any acceleration or further delay in its terms of reference will shape market and investor sentiment around executive accountability.
- Portfolio Committee Briefed on PIE Bill Amendments
The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements will be briefed on Wednesday on proposed amendments to the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act. The amendments aim to strengthen property rights, including provisions to criminalise the incitement of land occupations. Changes to eviction and land occupation law directly affect property owners, developers and landlords managing occupation risk on vacant or underused land. Strengthened criminalisation provisions would be a positive signal for property rights enforcement, relevant to real estate and infrastructure investment decisions.
- Consumer Price Index (July 2026)
Stats SA releases July inflation data on Wednesday morning, following the Reserve Bank’s surprise decision to hold interest rates in July. Headline inflation stood at 5% year-on-year in June with core inflation at 4.1%, and both are expected to climb further in July, with headline inflation forecast to approach 5.5%. A further rise in inflation, particularly if driven by broad-based rather than fuel-related pressures, increases the likelihood of a rate hike at the Reserve Bank’s next Monetary Policy Committee meeting.
- Retail Sales (June 2026)
Stats SA releases June retail trade sales data on Wednesday afternoon. Year-on-year retail growth was 2.3% in May, and while base effects may lift the June figure, the Bureau of Market Research forecasts average real retail growth of just 2.1% for 2026 as a whole. Subdued retail growth against a backdrop of rising inflation points to continued pressure on discretionary consumer spending.