Fiscal discipline, reform momentum and the role of private capital South Africa’s 2026 Budget arrives at a moment defined by both volatility and cautious optimism. National Treasury has projected that the country’s debt to GDP ratio has reached its peak. A primary surplus has been restored and fiscal consolidation has held despite multiple external shocks […]

The 2026 Budget blue-ticked the jobs crisis, since the Treasury only cares about debt and pleasing financial markets

South Africa has been given a narrow window to turn the ship around. Whether this Budget becomes a footnote or a foundation depends on what happens next — in Cabinet, in the SOEs, in municipalities and in the daily grind of governance

On paper, Godongwana presented a credible framework that marks a turning point for South Africa

The projected economic growth trajectory remains insufficient to address structural unemployment

Parties and labour organisations have slammed the 2026 Budget for failing to tackle low growth, high unemployment, and municipal distress, while cautiously welcoming tax relief and social grant increases

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed increases to social grants, including old-age, disability and child support, supporting 26.5 million South Africans amid high unemployment.

National treasury officials said the costing for the deployment of soldiers in crime-affected areas — as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, his Sona, had not yet been done

Over the next three years, growth is projected to average 1.8% and reach 2% by 2028

Labour federations Cosatu and the South African Federation of Trade Unions have led calls for a budget that addresses massive unemployment and weak growth

The global lender said controlling the public sector wage bill would be critical and commended the government’s plans to address inefficiencies and provide incentives for early retirement