Budget 2026: why advisers should revisit every client plan
From CGT thresholds to small business tax and foreign allowances, Ronald King identifies the changes that could materially reshape financial plans.
#NationalTreasury
Holding the line: fiscal discipline takes centre stage
National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse says South Africa’s core fiscal challenge is structurally low economic growth that trails population expansion.
Income tax brackets, medical tax credits adjusted for inflation
The government finally cuts payers of personal income tax some slack – and increases the medical scheme tax credits.
Changes to CGT, tax-free savings, retirement contributions, and donations
Treasury also proposes new thresholds at which fund members and living annuitants can commute to a cash lump sum.
Money talks: what the 2026 Budget says about government’s priorities
A tighter, more disciplined Budget channels spending into social support and infrastructure while cutting waste to avoid tax hikes.
Is South Africa finally turning the corner on debt?
While borrowing remains substantial, improving bond yields, firmer revenue, and reduced debt-service growth suggest a more credible consolidation path.
Increase in the VAT registration threshold
The tax regime for small and micro-businesses will also be adjusted for inflation.
Treasury signals overhaul of CIS taxation
The proposal is to reclassify all returns from collective investment schemes and retail hedge funds as capital gains.
New deadline to comment on draft AML/CFT Bill
The legislation will strengthen reporting and governance obligations across the non-profit, corporate, and financial sectors.
Covid SRD grant extended pending regulatory amendments
Draft amendments to the SRD Regulations have been published to give effect to the grant’s continuation from April 2026 to March 2027.
Key fintech policy developments to watch in 2026
Regulatory initiatives across payments, digital assets, open finance and embedded finance are expected to progress this year.
Two-pot amendments resolve uncertainty for older provident fund members
The Revenue Laws Amendment Act settles the treatment of provident and provident preservation fund members aged 55 or older on T-day.
Disciplinary process under way at GPAA amid governance concerns
Parliament reiterates concerns about financial management and governance highlighted in recent audit outcomes.
Draft amendments aim to remedy gaps in AML framework
The Bill largely clarifies and strengthens existing AML/CFT expectations rather than introducing a new regulatory philosophy.
Ithala depositor payouts to continue through 2026 with three-year claim window
FNB has disbursed over R1 billion to Ithala customers and is sending about 5 000 SMS notifications per day to schedule branch visits.
Draft AML/CFT amendment Bill tightens regulatory net
The Bill proposes that arrangements yielding outcomes similar to traditional financial products be treated as financial services.
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.
