News

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 …

ActionSA has welcomed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s announcement that R883.8 million will be transferred from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) over the medium term. Godongwana who tabled the 2026/27 budget earlier on Wednesday, said this would enable the OCJ to manage its own budgets, enhancing its independence from the Executive …

Zimbabwe has suspended exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect, its mines ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after the government alleged malpractices and leakages. The ministry said the ban on exports would remain in place until further notice and applied to all minerals currently in transit. “Government expects cooperation of the mining industry on …

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 …

National Treasury has announced plans to increase spending on Social Development by 4.2% over the next three years, increasing the allocation to R466.4 billion in 2028/2029. This will support poverty reduction by providing social grants, risk benefits through social insurance and welfare services. It also funds development initiatives, empowerment programmes, gender equality efforts, and advocacy for children, women, youth, the …

The South African Judiciary’s long-standing calls for independence are bearing fruit. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, in his 2026 Budget Speech. announced that over the medium term, R883 million was shifted from the Department of Justice to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ). Godongwana says the move allows the OCJ to be in control of its own budget and by …

Western Cape Premier delivers the State of the Province Address (SOPA). www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/live-western-cape-sopa-2026/

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 National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has encouraged swimmers, paddlers and divers to remain aware and cautious around seals, as rabies among Cape fur seals is an evolving situation along parts of the coastline. This follows an incident involving a seal and kayakers in Hout Bay, Cape Town, where authorities have removed two seals from the area. One was involved …

African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) caucus leader in the Emfuleni Municipality, Sello Mokhele, has pleaded with politicians to work together to improve infrastructure in the Vaal. He was speaking during a candlelight ceremony for four young people who died when their car crashed into a tree after avoiding a pothole on Frikkie Meyer Boulevard in Vanderbijlpark last week. Two other passengers are recovering in hospital. Mokhele urged politicians to use municipal …