Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the 2025 National Budget Speech on Wednesday (12 March). The budget addressed several key points, including the country’s current economic status, growth projections, substantial debt servicing costs, proposed increases in VAT and sin taxes, and the continuation of the social relief grant.

South Africa's cabinet was still meeting on the 2025 budget less than one hour before the finance minister was due to present it in parliament on Wednesday, a source from the Democratic Alliance party said,

South African lawmakers have outlined plans that include a 0.5% VAT increase to fund additional health and defense spending. The rise in VAT aims to address cuts in US aid, return 9,300 jobs in healthcare,