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 – 2 March 2026

• Manufacturing PMI Data Due

February’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index will be released, providing an updated snapshot of industrial activity. The index was previously at 48.7, remaining in contractionary territory, and the latest reading will be closely watched for indications that manufacturing conditions are stabilising or moving closer to expansion.

Tuesday- 3 March 2026

• Basic Education Portfolio Committee to Assess SONA Implications and Infrastructure Backlogs

The portfolio committee on basic education will be briefed on the analysis, implications and impact of the President’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, with a focus on schooling priorities. The committee will also engage on school infrastructure backlogs, maintenance and upkeep, including early childhood development capacity and funding, with inputs from the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and National Treasury. Consideration of draft minutes and reports is also on the agenda.

Wednesday- 4 March 2026

• Fourth-Quarter 2025 GDP Data to Be Released

Gross domestic product figures for the fourth quarter of 2025 will be published, offering a key read on economic momentum at the end of the year. Growth previously registered at 0.5% on a quarter-on-quarter annualised basis, while year-on-year expansion stood at 2.1%, providing a modest base as the economy enters the new year.

Thursday – 5 March 2026

• Limpopo and Mpumalanga State of the Province Addresses

The premiers of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, Phophi Ramathuba and Mandla Ndlovu, will deliver their respective State of the Province Addresses, setting out policy priorities, governance plans and provincial spending focus areas for the year ahead.

Friday – 6 March 2026

• Parliamentary Committees to Consider Funding Models for Communications SOEs

The portfolio committee on communications and digital technologies will hold a joint sitting with the standing committee on appropriations to outline alternative funding models for key state-owned entities, including the South African Broadcasting Corporation, the South African Post Office, the Postbank and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. The discussion will focus on sustainability options amid ongoing fiscal constraints and operational pressures.