MJ Minter Inc on 11/08/2025

NCOP Passes 2025 Appropriation Bill and Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, completing South Africa’s budget process for the 2025/26 financial year. This legislation authorizes government departments and entities to spend allocated funds on essential services, infrastructure projects, and social programs such as healthcare, education, and social grants. It also supports initiatives aimed at economic growth and job creation.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 11/08/2025

Tools for Estate Planning

Estate planning is a critical process that ensures the effective management and distribution of an individual’s assets during their lifetime and after their death. It involves a variety of tools and strategies tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of the estate planner. Below, we explore some of the most important tools for estate planning.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 11/08/2025

U.S. Tariffs on South Africa: Economic Shockwaves and Strategic Responses

The United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African exports marks a significant turning point in bilateral trade relations. Effective from August 2025, the tariffs apply to a wide range of goods, including manufactured products, automotive components, steel, aluminum, and certain agricultural exports. While critical minerals such as platinum and gold remain exempt, the measures threaten key sectors that underpin South Africa’s export economy.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 11/08/2025

Finance Minister Clarifies Monetary Policy Amid SARB Rate Cut

South Africa’s monetary policy landscape shifted this week following the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7%, the lowest level since 2022. This move, announced by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), aims to support economic activity amid sluggish growth and subdued inflation, which currently sits at 3%, the bottom of the 3–6% target range. The MPC signaled that inflation is expected to average 3.3% for 2025, with risks assessed as balanced.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 08/07/2025

AI Revolutionizes Operations in SMEs: A Game-Changer for Growth and Efficiency

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. Once considered a luxury reserved for large corporations, AI technologies are now more accessible and affordable, enabling SMEs to compete on a more level playing field.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 08/07/2025

Doing business in South Africa: An overview

The following are some of the key factors shaping South Africa’s current economic climate:

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 08/07/2025

South Africa Secures US$1.5 Billion World Bank Loan to Modernize Infrastructure

The Government of South Africa has signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement with the World Bank to support critical structural reforms aimed at modernizing infrastructure and driving inclusive economic growth. This landmark partnership seeks to address the country’s pressing challenges of low economic growth and high unemployment.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 08/07/2025

SARS Expands Auto-Assessment Program for 2025 Tax Season

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has launched its most ambitious auto-assessment initiative to date, marking a significant shift in how taxpayers engage with the annual filing season. The 2025 rollout includes not only standard taxpayers but also provisional taxpayers and individuals who have made withdrawals under the new two-pot retirement system.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 09/06/2025

Understanding the Essential Requirements and Structure of a Trust in South Africa

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows assets to be held and managed by trustees for the benefit of beneficiaries. ​ In South Africa, creating a valid trust requires meeting specific essential requirements and adhering to its structured framework. ​

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 09/06/2025

SARS Tax Case Sends Strong Message on Trust Accountability

A recent ruling by the Johannesburg Tax Court has sent a powerful warning to trustees, funders, and high-net-worth individuals: poor record-keeping and vague financial narratives will not shield you from SARS scrutiny.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 09/06/2025

SARS Launches 2025 Tax Season with Expanded Auto-Assessments and Compliance Focus

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially launched the 2025 tax season, introducing a streamlined filing process and reinforcing its commitment to compliance and digital transformation.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 09/06/2025

New Fuel Levy Implementation Sparks Nationwide Debate

The recent implementation of a new fuel levy has sparked widespread discussion across the country. Designed to address pressing economic concerns and boost revenue for critical infrastructure projects, the levy has been met with mixed reactions from citizens and industry stakeholders alike.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 07/05/2025

Understanding the Tables of Interest Rates: What Taxpayers Need to Know

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) recently released updated Tables of Interest Rates, providing crucial information for individuals and businesses regarding tax obligations and financial planning. These tables outline interest rates applicable to outstanding taxes and those payable on refunds, ensuring taxpayers are informed about potential financial implications.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 07/05/2025

The Latest Companies Act Amendments Pertaining to Directors in South Africa

Key Changes and Implications

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 07/05/2025

Challenging the Employment Equity Amendments: The DA's Stance

A Brief Overview of the Democratic Alliance's Perspective

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 07/05/2025

2025 Budget Review: Key Updates

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Enoch Godongwana, has announced that the 2025 Budget Review will be re-tabled on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. This revised budget will include the Fiscal Framework, Appropriation Bill, Division of Revenue Bill, and amendments to revenue laws. The decision follows the reversal of a proposed 0.5% increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate, which will remain at 15%.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 14/04/2025

SMEs Embrace AI to Boost Efficiency and Competitiveness

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their operations, improve customer experiences, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. ​ A recent study published in the Journal of Business Management highlights the key AI applications being adopted by SMEs and the challenges they face in implementation. ​The findings reveal that while only 28% of SMEs have integrated AI solutions, those that have are seeing significant benefits. ​

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 14/04/2025

The use of AI in SMEs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate, offering numerous opportunities to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and stay competitive. Implementing AI in SMEs can seem daunting, but with a strategic approach, it can yield significant benefits.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 14/04/2025

The Institute of Race Relations Report

The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has recently unveiled a report that underscores the substantial financial burden imposed by Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) premiums on South Africa. The report, titled "Cut VAT & BEE," estimates that the legitimate cost of BEE premiums in public procurement is approximately R17 billion per annum. To put this into perspective, this amount is equivalent to the cost of constructing around 42,000 kilometers of new paved roads, enough to stretch from Cape Town to Beijing and back.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 13/03/2025

Understanding the South African Budget Process: From Proposal to Parliamentary Ratification

The South African budget process is a meticulous and continuous cycle that ensures government spending aligns with the country's policy goals and objectives. This process begins with the Budget Speech and culminates in parliamentary ratification, involving several critical steps along the way.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 13/03/2025

South Africa Increases Carbon Tax to Combat Climate Change

In a significant move to bolster its climate change mitigation efforts, South Africa has announced an increase in its carbon tax. Effective from January 1, 2025, the carbon tax will rise from R190 to R236 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). Additionally, from April 2, 2025, the carbon fuel levy will increase by 3c/litre to 14c/litre for petrol and 17c/litre for diesel, as mandated by the Carbon Tax Act of 2019.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 13/03/2025

South Africa to Increase VAT Rate in 2025

In a significant move to boost revenue, the South African government has announced a two-phase increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate. The first increase of 0.5 percentage points will take effect on 1 May 2025, followed by another 0.5 percentage point increase on 1 April 2026. This decision comes after careful consideration of the potential contributions of various tax instruments, with VAT being identified as an efficient and broad-based source of revenue.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 13/03/2025

Review of the 2025 Budget Speech

The 2025 Budget Speech addressed the economic stagnation of the past decade, with GDP growth averaging less than 2%. In 2024, the economy grew by only 0.6%, and medium-term projections estimate an average growth of 1.8%. The speech emphasized the need for faster, inclusive economic growth to meet developmental goals.

MJ Minter Inc

MJ Minter Inc on 03/02/2025

SARS Reports Over 2 Million Tax Directive Applications for Savings Withdrawals

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a significant milestone in the implementation of the two-pot system, with a total of 2,664,279 applications for tax directives received to date. Of these, 2,403,379 applications have been approved, resulting in a total gross lump sum payout of R 43.42 billion.

MJ Minter Inc