
GNU secures first Budget as NCOP passes Appropriation Bill
Government departments can now implement their spending plans for services, infrastructure, and social programmes.

Government departments can now implement their spending plans for services, infrastructure, and social programmes.

The National Assembly has passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, unlocking R2.3 trillion in government spending.

The annual benefit escalations for policies that fall under the Demarcation Regulations.

The FSCA’s Sustainable Finance Programme seeks to harmonise local markets with global ESG standards – focusing on taxonomy, disclosure, reporting and investor education to bolster climate resilience.

Treasury cautions that the forced acquisition of two million private SARB shares could breach bilateral treaties and unsettle investor confidence.

The FATF’s mutual evaluation in April 2027 will drill down into how well AML/CFT measures work in practice rather than just ticking technical boxes.

South Africa now awaits an on-site visit by the FATF Africa Joint Group – paving the way for an anticipated exit from the grey list at the October plenary.

What the Authority expects from financial services providers when it conducts Financial Intelligence Centre Act inspections.
The fuel levy hike remains in force, but a broader court challenge over the finance minister’s power to increase taxes continues.

National Treasury forecasts a narrowing deficit, from 4.8% of GDP in 2025/26 to 3.8% in 2026/27. Fitch, however, projects larger deficits of 5.1% and 4.5% respectively.

An inflation-linked rise in the general fuel levy will in no way be sufficient to plug the revenue hole left by scrapping the two VAT increases.

The revised Budget reveals the hard truth: with limited borrowing room and rising demands, Treasury must make tough calls on what to fund – and what to cut.

Recent reports and the Budget Overview expose deep flaws in local government, prompting urgent calls for debt reforms and stricter accountability.

The Minister of Finance’s bailout plan for Ithala’s retail depositors has drawn sharp criticism from KZN’s Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, who warns the deal’s fine print could leave the province footing a hefty bill.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana won’t reveal where the spending cuts or savings will come from but says South Africa must “do more with less”.

South Africa’s credibility among investors and ratings agencies will depend on whether the government meets the fiscal targets it has set, says Treasury.

Tax specialist Louis Botha answers pressing questions about the suspended VAT increase and its broader implications for budget-making power and taxpayer rights.