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CAPE TOWN — On April 24, the Minister of Finance tabled the Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill (B 14-2025) in Parliament, proposing major tax reforms aimed at aligning fiscal policy with inflation and economic realities. The bill introduces several key changes: an increase in the transfer duty threshold from R1.1 […]

24 April 2025 — VAT Hike Scrapped, Budget Revisions to Follow South Africa’s Minister of Finance has canceled the planned VAT increase set for 1 May, keeping the rate at 15%. The move, made after consultations with political leaders and committees, leaves a projected R75 billion revenue gap over the medium term. In response, the […]

CAPE TOWN, 23 April 2025 — Treasury Tables R1.17 Trillion Appropriation Bill for 2025/26 The National Treasury presented the 2025/26 Appropriation Bill to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Appropriations, outlining a R1.17 trillion budget. Of this, R843.6 billion (72.17%) is allocated to transfers and subsidies, and R214.9 billion (18.38%) to employee compensation. Major allocations include R294.1 […]

Municipalities Strained by Unfunded Mandates South African municipalities are facing severe financial strain due to unfunded or underfunded mandates—services assigned by provincial governments without sufficient funding. This has led to major budget shortfalls, with cities like Cape Town and eThekwini reporting deficits in the billions. Essential services such as healthcare, housing, libraries, and transport are […]

Pretoria, April 2025 — Finance Minister Defends VAT Reversal in Court Filing South Africa’s Finance Minister has defended the government’s fiscal decisions, including the reversed VAT hike, in a court affidavit addressing a legal challenge from civil society groups. The affidavit, released via the National Treasury, argues that the VAT proposal was a temporary, lawful […]

Cape Town, 22 April 2025 — SAMRC Unveils 5-Year Strategic Plan Focused on Equity and Innovation The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) presented its 2025/26–2029/30 Strategic Plan to Parliament, highlighting priorities in transformation, innovation, and health equity under new CEO Prof. Ntobeko Ntusi. Key goals include supporting over 1,000 research grants, nearly 200 innovation […]

ape Town, 22 April 2025 — FFC Flags Health Sector Inefficiencies and Funding Gaps The Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) briefed Parliament’s Health Committee on challenges in South Africa’s health sector, citing inefficiencies, uneven grant performance, and underfunding amid plans for National Health Insurance (NHI) rollout. The 2025 health budget of R64.8 billion sees modest […]

Ramaphosa Appoints Mcebisi Jonas as Special Envoy to the U.S. President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as Special Envoy to the United States, tasking him with promoting South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral interests. Jonas, a former Deputy Finance Minister and current MTN Group chair, will represent both the President and government in engagements […]

NWC Reaffirms Commitment to GNU Amid Budget Tensions The ANC’s National Working Committee has reiterated its commitment to continued engagement with Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, despite tensions and delays in the national budget process. Following a closed-door meeting, the NWC expressed concern over recent political discord but emphasized the need for consistent dialogue […]

Draft Money Act Rules Aim to Boost Financial Oversight A draft of the 2025 Money Act rules proposes tighter financial regulations, stronger compliance, and enhanced transparency. Key features include stricter recordkeeping, due diligence, digital transaction oversight, and expanded regulatory powers. The rules also promote international cooperation against illicit finance. Stakeholder feedback is invited before finalization. […]