Economists have given the 2026 National Budget a thumbs up, following National Treasury’s commitment to curbing the country’s debt. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio is finally set to stabilize at 78.9 per cent in the 2025/26 financial year, before beginning a steady downward trend. Standard Bank’s Elna Moolman says there is a strong possibility …

Pope Leo will visit four countries across Africa from April 13-23, the Vatican announced on Wednesday, with the pontiff making his first major overseas trip in 2026 to the continent where the Catholic Church is growing fastest. The pope will also make a one-day visit on March 28 to Monaco, the microstate on the French Riviera, and will visit Spain …

The National Liquor Traders Council has welcomed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s announcement that excise duty increases on alcohol products will be limited to inflation-linked adjustments. Godongwana delivered the 2026 Budget Speech in Parliament on Wednesday, where he provided an update on revised spending plans. National Liquor Traders spokesperson Lucky Ntimane says inflation-linked increases are a first step in their battle …

The has condemned suspended South African Police Service Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya for his attitude towards Madlanga Commission evidence leader, Advocate Adila Hassim. During his testimony in Pretoria, Sibiya accused Hassim of acting as KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s lawyer. The forum’s Dennis Bloem says Sibiya is trying to hide from all the damaging evidence that the commission is …