
Relief at last: Ithala depositors can access frozen funds from 8 December
Treasury’s R2.2bn intervention ends an 11-month account freeze, unlocking payouts for Ithala’s 257 000 depositors while the liquidation case continues.

Treasury’s R2.2bn intervention ends an 11-month account freeze, unlocking payouts for Ithala’s 257 000 depositors while the liquidation case continues.

South Africa’s financial markets brace for the end of Jibar as SARB signals a major shift toward the more transparent, transaction-based ZARONIA benchmark.

Deputy DG Christopher Axelson tells Parliament Treasury will prioritise improved revenue collection and closing loopholes rather than further rate increases.

Top domestic Bitcoin wallets moved nearly R63bn offshore since 2019, spurring the SARB and Treasury to develop a cross-border crypto transaction framework.

The measure is expected to generate over R10bn, but Treasury says its primary aim is to deter harmful gambling behaviour.

The MPC’s first rate cut in months underscores the SARB’s view that a lower target can support a gradual easing cycle.

National Treasury is inviting submissions of technical tax proposals for possible inclusion in Annexure C of next year’s Budget Review.

The MTBPS raises the 2025/26 gross revenue estimate by R19.7bn but warns of a R15.7bn shortfall against Budget estimates for 2026/27.

Godongwana announces a shift from the 3%-to-6% range to a 3% target with a 1-percentage-point tolerance band, to be implemented over two years.

National Treasury has withdrawn its proposal that would have triggered capital gains tax when fund managers merge collective investment scheme portfolios.

VAT-registered schools will have to deregister from 1 January 2026, but the deemed output VAT on retained assets will only be payable the following year.

The threshold for ringfencing assessed losses from ‘suspect’ or ‘hobby-like’ trades will be reduced from the 45% marginal rate to 39%.

Although the amendment will not proceed, Treasury remains concerned about double non-taxation and will re-engage with the industry to find a balanced approach.

ASISA says further consultation is needed to avoid negative consequences for investors and the collective investment schemes market.

The authorities say that supervision, prosecutions, and measurable outcomes must continue to avoid re-listing as the next mutual evaluation starts in 2026.

The Road Accident Fund’s former chief financial officer says even he struggled to understand why the Fund changed its accounting standard.

SCOPA’s inquiry uncovers questionable procurement decisions, unexplained overspending, and gaps in oversight that demand a forensic review.