Tag: NationalTreasury

The 2026 National Budget Speech was delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 25 February. He delivered the 2026 budget speech against a backdrop of complex fiscal trade-offs. South Africa continues to face high debt-servicing costs. As a result, the government’s capacity to act as the primary buffer against economic shocks has become more constrained. Therefore, the 2026 budget speech highlights the growing importance of shared responsibility across the broader economy.

National Treasury's draft proposal for a 20% national tax on the gross gambling revenue of all forms of online gambling, including online sports betting, which is legal, must be called what it is: a revenue grab. This proposal violates constitutionalism, undermines democratic practice and punishes enterprise. All of this is dressed up as a measure to reduce social harm. It is, in effect, a revenue-driven gambling tax.