#Budget Speech 2025 Archives - Voice of the Cape

Pensioners criticize grant increase amid rising costs

By Loushe Jordaan Gilbert Following Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's announcement on Wednesday that the old age and disability grants will increase by R130, pensioners have expressed their gratitude for the increase but stressed that it would not be enough to cover the rising cost of living and the 0.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) hike announced by the minister. Speaking to VOC News, grant recipients voiced their frustration, describing the increase […]

13 March 2025

Local

Black Sash raises concerns over grant increases

The National Budget Speech, delivered on Wednesday by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, has faced criticism from various quarters, with many calling it unbalanced. A major point of contention is the National Treasury’s plan to increase value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points in the 2025/2026 financial year, followed by another 0.5 percentage point increase in 2026/2027. Speaking on VOC Breakfast on Thursday, Black Sash’s National Advocacy Manager, Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker, expressed […]

13 March 2025

Local

BUDGET SPEECH 2025: No plans to decrease youth unemployment

The 2025 Budget Speech marked a pivotal moment for South Africa, but it left many questions unanswered—particularly about how young people will be meaningfully integrated into the economy. With over R380 billion allocated to debt repayment, the government faces significant challenges in creating sustainable employment opportunities. Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Youth Employment Portfolio Head at Momentum Group, acknowledged that while structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela have begun, their long-term impact on small […]

13 March 2025

Local

Political analyst expectations ahead of the budget speech

The minister of finance, Enoch Godongwana, will be delivering the much-awaited budget speech on Wednesday, with political analysts stating that internal challenges within the Government of National Unity (GNU) are the stumbling block in terms of finalising the budget speech. Political analyst Sandile Swane said a Value Added Tax (VAT) increase is inevitable. “Given our history, an increase must happen. The issue is that our politicians are not creative in […]

12 March 2025

Local

People Against Budget Cuts demand an end to austerity measures

People Against Budget cuts have vehemently opposed any budgetary hikes in Value-Added Taxes (VAT) and also called for an end to austerity measures that have harmed communities. On Wednesday, Enoch Godongwana, the finance minister, is scheduled to present the budget to Parliament, while several organisations will be hosting a demonstration outside parliament demanding that the government re-evaluate how much money it spends and make sure that economic policies benefit everyone, […]

11 March 2025

Local

Political analysts’ response to the postponing of the budget address

The budget address from South Africa has been postponed for the first time in its democratic history. Professor Andre Duvenhage, a political analyst from Northwest University, stated on VOC Breakfast that this is a definite sign that the Government of National Unity (GNU) may turn into a true government crisis. “What is clear is there was no proper consultation within the GNU regarding the budget. The budget was concluded without […]

20 February 2025

Features

Economist warns of potential backlash over proposed tax hike in Budget speech

As the highly anticipated Budget Speech approaches, economists nationwide are closely monitoring the government’s fiscal direction. Independent economist Duma Gqubule shared his concerns, highlighting last-minute tensions within the government. “There is drama right now. Apparently, they just called an urgent cabinet meeting. The ANC wants to increase taxes, and the DA is saying no. I predict that if they don’t cancel it and announce the tax increase, South Africans must […]

19 February 2025

Local

Citizens comments on the Budget-Speech 2025

By Rachel Mohamed As South Africa faces challenges related to public sector wages, fiscal sustainability, and economic priorities, the upcoming Budget Speech is attracting significant attention. Citizens are eagerly awaiting Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's delivery of the budget speech today. VOC News spoke to South Africans to gather their views on what they expect from the upcoming budget speech. Yusuf Abramjee, the founder of Tax Justice SA, urged Finance Minister […]

19 February 2025

#Budget Speech 2025

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