Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Motorists get temporary fuel relief costing government R10 billion: the diesel levy drops R3 a litre from 4 November, with reduced relief continuing until 5 January 2027.

Government cut its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.2% from the 1.6% projected in February, with growth expected to reach 2% by 2029.

Cosatu called the mid-term budget depressing, pointing to 43.8% unemployment and growth stuck near 1%, and said it lacked a bold package to create jobs.

The Education Department targets 1 million children in subsidised early childhood development this year and 7 million by 2030, and is seeking about R2 billion from business partners.

Tshwane's Bronkhorstspruit water treatment works went three weeks without chlorine before residents were warned, and more than 400 people fell ill, many of them children.