IN CONVERSATION WITH JANNIE ROSSOUW

--:--
In a significant shift from previous proposals, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has unveiled a revised National Budget—dubbed Budget 3.0—which abandons the planned VAT increase and instead introduces new tax measures expected to generate R18 billion in 2025/26 and R19 billion in 2026/27.
The announcement, made in Parliament on Wednesday, comes as the National Treasury attempts to narrow South Africa’s fiscal gap without burdening consumers with a higher value-added tax, a move that would have disproportionately impacted the country’s poorest households.
The original budget proposal raised concerns across civil society and business sectors over the plan to increase VAT, currently at 15%. With economic growth remaining sluggish and unemployment—especially among youth—remaining alarmingly high, many warned that a VAT hike would be regressive.
Instead, Minister Godongwana has opted for alternative tax strategies. While specific details remain limited, the Minister confirmed that the new revenue streams would focus on improving collections and addressing base erosion rather than imposing broad-based consumer taxes.
“This tax measure alone will not close the fiscal gap over the medium term,” he said, reinforcing the idea that South Africa still faces tough economic decisions in the years ahead.
22 May English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

Other recent episodes

IN CONVERSATION WITH DINEO CARO

Dineo Caro — hailed from the small town of Barkly West, just outside Kimberley in the Northern Cape — has been recognized for her natural talent from a young age. Often the entertainer in her family, her love for music was born in the church, where she performed in front…
6 Jun 13 min

IN CONVRERSATION WITH THAPELO SEEMISE

Thapelo Seemise, popularly known as TIPS—an acronym for Through Inspiration People Succeed—and affectionately called Tips Shampoo or Shampoonaiza, is one of South Africa’s most celebrated sports comedians. With over 11 years on SABC’s Sport@10, he has become a household name thanks to his sharp wit, charismatic interviews, and engaging commentary…
6 Jun 16 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH WILLIAM BALOYI

The South African government has strongly condemned the violent incidents that have erupted at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The unrest stems from student protests following the release on bail of Mr. Manelisi Mampana, the acting residence manager, who faces charges in…
6 Jun 19 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH NICOLE LIEDEMANN-TELUKRAM

After 35 days on foot and more than 1,800 kilometres behind her, Nicole Liedemann-Telukram has officially arrived in Cape Town — completing a remarkable journey that began in Johannesburg and captured national attention. We've followed her from the very beginning, and today, her mission to raise awareness for rare diseases…
5 Jun 13 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH ALTHEA RAMRATTAN

The latest Household Affordability Index released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group for May 2025 reveals that food insecurity in South Africa is worsening, with the average cost of a household food basket climbing to R5,466.59. This marks a monthly increase of R46.29 (0.9%) from April and a…
5 Jun 11 min