RC 261021SAfmBridget Masinga
Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's mid-term budget dominated the afternoon, with fuel relief and a cut growth forecast, while Professor Catherine Burns traced Alfred Nobel's legacy and the rise of Navi Pillay.
- 14:29
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced temporary fuel levy relief costing R10 billion in foregone revenue, to be funded by returning R10 billion from the Central Energy Fund to the National Revenue Fund.
- 14:24
Debt is projected to stabilise at 78.4% of GDP in 2025-26, the first time in nearly two decades, while the budget deficit narrows to 3.9% of GDP this year, better than February's forecast.
- 14:14
The 2026 growth forecast is cut to 1.2%, down from 1.6% projected in February, as the Middle East conflict, high oil prices and El Niño weigh on the domestic economy.
- 14:34
Government says R45.5 billion is being added to current-year spending compared with February's budget, and the minister said there are no budget cuts, despite public complaints.
- 13:57
Judgment has been reserved in the Madlanga Commission matter on whether evidence from intelligence coordinator Sifolo can be heard in camera, after three media houses opposed the application.