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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The following are some of the key factors shaping South Africa’s current economic climate:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Key Changes and Implications
A Brief Overview of the Democratic Alliance's Perspective
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
