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 – 24 August 2026
- Ad Hoc Committee on Mkhwanazi Allegations to Consider Draft Report
Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will sit on Monday and again on Thursday to consider its draft report. The Speaker has extended the committee’s reporting deadline to 11 September, giving members additional time to complete their work. The committee’s findings will likely feed directly into public confidence in the police and security cluster leadership.
Tuesday – 25 August 2026
- Ramaphosa to Answer National Assembly Questions
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to answer questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday. Expected areas of scrutiny include measures to restore South Africa’s Pan-African credibility following recent anti-immigration protests, and structural reforms aimed at improving municipal capacity and accountability ahead of the local government elections.
- Parliamentary Oversight: World Cup Spending and eThekwini Audit
The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture will be briefed on Tuesday on departmental spending ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, while the Standing Committee on Public Accounts holds a follow-up engagement with the City of eThekwini on its 2024/25 audit outcomes.
Wednesday – 26 August 2026
- EFF Motion of No Confidence in Speaker Didiza
MPs will debate an EFF-sponsored motion of no confidence in National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza on Wednesday, brought under section 52(4) of the Constitution. The EFF accuses Didiza of failing to oppose President Ramaphosa’s interdict against Phala Phala impeachment proceedings, and has objected to the motion being heard virtually rather than in person. The motion is unlikely to succeed given the numbers in the House, but it reflects ongoing friction within the Government of National Unity arrangement.
- Producer Price Inflation (July 2026)
Stats SA will release July producer price inflation data on Wednesday. Producer inflation eased to 7.5% year-on-year in June, and economists at Absa expect a sharper slowdown to 5.8% in July, driven by a R2.01 per litre drop in petrol prices and a R3.59 fall in wholesale diesel prices. A sharp PPI slowdown eases input cost pressure for manufacturing, transport, and logistics-heavy operations, though Absa cautions that fuel prices remain well above pre-conflict levels.
Thursday – 27 August 2026
- Africa Youth Economic Forum Convenes in Midrand
The Africa Youth Economic Forum will be held at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand on Thursday and Friday, convened by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Youth Dividend.”
Friday – 28 August 2026
- Parties’ Candidate List Deadline
Political parties and independent candidates have until 5pm on Friday to submit their ward and proportional representation candidate lists and nomination documents to the Electoral Commission of South Africa, ahead of the 4 November local government elections. The ANC’s national executive committee will meet on Tuesday to finalise its lists, though the party has yet to announce its preferred mayoral candidates in key metros. The ANC’s continued delay on mayoral candidates points to unresolved internal contestation worth monitoring in any metro where coalition dynamics affect service delivery or regulatory continuity.
- Balance of Trade (July 2026)
The South African Reserve Bank reported a trade surplus of R17.8 billion in June, supported by continued strength in commodity exports. July’s trade balance, due for release on Friday afternoon, is expected to show a surplus of similar magnitude. A sustained trade surplus is supportive of rand stability and provides a favourable backdrop for the export economy.