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 – 5 January 2026

• Naamsa Releases December Vehicle Sales Data

Naamsa will on Monday publish South Africa’s new vehicle sales statistics for December 2025, offering a key snapshot of conditions in the automotive market at year end. Total vehicle sales declined to 54,900 units in November from 55,970 units in October, pointing to softer demand as economic pressures weighed on consumers. The December figures will indicate whether sales stabilised or weakened further heading into the festive period.

Tuesday- 6 January 2026

• S&P Global Releases December PMI Data

S&P Global will on Tuesday publish South Africa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index for December 2025, offering an updated snapshot of manufacturing-sector conditions. The PMI edged higher to 49.0 in November from 48.8 in October, remaining below the neutral 50 mark but signalling a modest easing in contraction.

Wednesday- 7 January 2026

• Department of Employment and Labour Leads Service Delivery Interventions in North West

The Department of Employment and Labour will on Wednesday continue a week-long series of service delivery interventions in the North West province, focused on the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality. Held under the theme “Taking Services to the People”, the initiative aims to improve access to government services, rebuild public trust and create a platform for engagement between communities and stakeholders. Activities will include blitz inspections, Labour Activation Programme oversight visits, direct service provision and the launch of Unemployment Insurance Fund mobile offices.

Thursday – 8 January 2026

• Absa and The Bureau for Economic Research Release December PMI Data

Absa and the Bureau for Economic Research will on Thursday publish South Africa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index data for December 2025, offering an updated view of manufacturing-sector conditions. The seasonally adjusted Absa PMI fell for a second consecutive month to 42 in November from 49.2 previously, signalling a deeper contraction in factory activity. The reading marked the sharpest downturn since April 2020.

Friday – 9 January 2026

• SANDF to Host BRICS Plus Naval Exercise

A joint naval exercise involving BRICS Plus partner states gets under way on Friday in South African waters, with South Africa acting as host to participating navies. The exercise, which includes vessels from China, Russia and Iran, has attracted political and civil society criticism over the optics of military engagement with sanctioned states and the potential implications for South Africa’s foreign policy stance and claims of non-alignment.