Funding the SABC – the streaming tax debate
The TV licence system is on life support. Less than 20% of South Africans with a licence actually pay. The costs of chasing payments often outweigh the revenue collected. People simply don’t see value in funding a public broadcaster anymore. They have an endless stream of content available elsewhere. That said, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) still matters.
FICA compliance – key impacts from the 2025 Budget
The 2025 Budget Speech, delivered on 12 March 2025, made it clear that financial crime enforcement and compliance are priorities. The government has allocated increased funding for forensic investigations, regulatory oversight and tax compliance monitoring
2025 GNU budget – prioritising growth in uncertain times
After the false start of 19 February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the 2025 Budget on 12 March. The main tax policy proposals include raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate by 0.5% in each of the next two years. This will bring VAT to 16% in 2026/2027. It will be accompanied by no inflationary adjustments to personal income tax brackets, rebates, or medical tax credits.
Budget Speech 2025 – cuts, compromises and curveballs
The shocks, surprises and shortfalls in the initial budget on 19 February 2025 made way for a reworked National Budget. This new budget is marked by cuts, compromises and curveballs. Although Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s first budget attempt was unexpectedly stopped three weeks ago, a higher VAT rate is still on the table.
2025 Budget Speech highlights – VAT hikes and spending priorities
The updated South African National Budget for 2025, tabled on 12 March, tries to balance the need to address the country's fiscal challenges. At the same time, it aims to stimulate economic growth and improve public services. Over and above these priorities, it also balances political pressure from the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Budget Speech 2025 – mining sector impact
We note the tabling of the delayed 2025 National Budget. As with previous budgets, the steps announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana highlighted the need for higher growth rates in the domestic mining sector and the broader economy.
Is a VAT rate increase to 17% justifiable?
Parliament tabled the 2025 budgets on 19 February 2025, but they were not approved. The budgets proposed a 2% increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate. The proposal suggested raising the VAT rate from 15% to 17%.
Sin tax on gambling won’t work
We cannot tax our society into behaving better. No matter how much we would like to believe otherwise, it remains ineffective. Behaviour-adjusting taxes, like sin taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, have failed to curb excessive smoking or drinking. The sugar tax has placed a heavier financial burden on the working class. However, it has not achieved its intended behavioural change.
Closing the tax gap – how can more SMEs reap the...
Small businesses in South Africa manage multiple priorities, such as business efficiency, innovation and growth. Many overlook the value of claiming the full range of tax benefits available to them amidst these daily challenges.
Delayed budget and VAT hike – SME implications
As the nation waits for the rescheduled delivery of the Budget Speech on 12 March, many wonder what tax announcements to expect. The delayed budget and VAT hike mean small business owners, in particular, remain on tenterhooks as they anticipate the rate hike. This increase would see the VAT rate rise from 15% to 17%, which could significantly impact businesses.
