2026 Budget Speech: Fiscal Policy
South Africa’s 2026 Budget highlights government’s spending priorities over the medium term, emphasising the need to balance fiscal sustainability with continued investment in public services and infrastructure.
2026 Budget Speech: Tax Highlights
South Africa’s 2026 Budget Speech introduced a series of tax adjustments aimed at maintaining revenue stability while offering targeted relief to households and businesses. While the overall tax framework remains largely unchanged, several thresholds and allowances have been updated, mostly in line with inflation.
2026 Budget Speech: Managing Public Sector Institutions
South Africa’s 2026 Budget highlights the importance of restoring the financial and operational health of public sector institutions, particularly state-owned companies responsible for delivering critical infrastructure and services.
2026 Budget Speech: Economic Outlook
South Africa’s 2026 Budget outlines a modest but improving economic outlook, reflecting gradual recovery alongside persistent structural challenges in the economy.
South African Reserve Bank Holds Repo Rate as Inflation Eases and Growth Steadies
At its first policy meeting of 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank held the repurchase (repo) rate steady at 6.75%, maintaining a cautiously neutral stance in the face of global and domestic economic uncertainties. This decision, effective from the January 29 meeting, reflects a backdrop of easing inflation and stabilising growth, but also persistent risks in the external environment.
South Africa Showcases Economic Reform Progress at Davos 2026
South Africa’s National Treasury, led by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, played a prominent role at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from 19–23 January 2026, using the global stage to highlight the country’s economic reform achievements and growing investment potential.
South Africa Exits EU High-Risk Finance List – A Milestone in Global Financial Confidence
South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in its financial governance journey with its removal from the European Union’s list of High-Risk Third Country Jurisdictions, a designation that took effect on 29 January 2026. The announcement was welcomed by the National Treasury, which highlighted the development as a positive step for reducing barriers to international financial engagement.
2026 National Budget Speech
The South African Government has officially announced that the 2026 National Budget Speech will be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 25 February 2026.
Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) updates
1. Compliance Crackdown Intensifies
South African Revenue Service (SARS) updates
1. Tax Statistics and Revenue Performance
COP30: Key Outcomes from the Amazon Summit
The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in Belém, Brazil, was billed as the “Implementation COP,” aiming to turn climate pledges into action. While progress was made on several fronts, the summit exposed deep divides on critical issues.
How SMEs Can Incorporate Forest Bathing into Strategy Sessions
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face intense pressure to innovate and make decisions quickly. Yet, the traditional boardroom setting can stifle creativity and well-being. Enter forest bathing—a Japanese practice known as shinrin-yoku—which involves immersing oneself in a natural environment to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Integrating this into strategy sessions can transform how teams think and collaborate.
Scam Alert: Beware of “Final Demand – Debt Management” Letter
Taxpayers should be alert to a rising phishing threat - fraudsters are sending out fake PDF letters with subjects such as “LEGAL RULING SUMMON DEMAND AS AT 21 10 2025” (though the subject line may vary).
SARS Expands Oversight of Crypto Transactions
South Africa’s tax authorities are preparing to implement new reporting standards that will bring cryptocurrency transactions squarely within the formal tax net. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released draft regulations to adopt the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), alongside updates to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).
South Africa’s Medium-Term Budget Tabled for 12 November: What to Expect
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver South Africa’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on 12 November, outlining the government’s fiscal and economic plans for the next three years. Often referred to as the “mini-budget,” the MTBPS provides a crucial update between February’s main Budget speeches, setting the tone for spending, borrowing, and reform priorities.
King V: A New Era for Corporate Governance in South Africa
The forthcoming King V Code of Corporate Governance marks a major milestone in South Africa’s governance landscape. Developed under the auspices of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), King V is set to launch on 31 October 2025, following a national consultation process earlier this year. The draft was released for public comment on 24 February 2025, with submissions closing on 4 April 2025.
Treasury Eyes Foreign Pensions: What It Means for Retirees
Recent proposals from the National Treasury suggest a major shift in how foreign pensions and retirement benefits are taxed in South Africa. Currently, under Section 10(1)(gC) of the Income Tax Act, lump sums, pensions and annuities from foreign sources tied to past employment are exempt from income tax for South African residents.
VAT Modernisation SA: Guiding Businesses Through South Africa’s Real-Time VAT Transition
South Africa is on the path to a real-time VAT reporting system, with full implementation expected by 2028. This will see a shift away from periodic self-reporting toward e-invoicing and direct, automated data transmission to SARS.
Static VAT Threshold is Placing Administrative Strain on Small Businesses
South Africa’s VAT registration threshold has remained unchanged at R1 million in annual turnover since 2009. In the intervening years, inflation has eroded the real value of this threshold. If it had been adjusted annually, analysts estimate it would now be closer to R2.1 million.
SARS Relief Possible for Taxpayers
A forthcoming legislative change could offer relief to South African taxpayers, but only under stringent conditions. Under the proposed amendments in the 2025 Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill (TALAB), individuals and businesses may be allowed to suspend payment on estimated assessments issued by SARS, provided certain criteria are met.
National Treasury and SARB publish 2025 draft tax bills and regulations for comment
On 16 August 2025, National Treasury and SARS released the 2025 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB), Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill (TALAB), and revised VAT regulations for public comment. These proposals give effect to tax measures announced in the 2025 Budget Review and the May 2025 Budget Overview.
IRR Warns Parliament Against SARB Amendment Bill
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has called on Parliament to reject the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Amendment Bill, arguing that it is unconstitutional and economically unsound.
How AI Can Streamline Administration and Accounting in SMEs
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to cut costs, improve efficiency, and reduce administrative burdens. From automating invoices to predicting cash flow, AI is reshaping the way smaller businesses manage their back offices.
CIPC Automates Reinstatement Applications for Companies and Close Corporations
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has launched a fully digital process for reinstatement applications for companies and close corporations, marking a significant step toward modernising business services in South Africa.