Mayibongwe Maqhina|Updated9 hours agoPressure mounts on Godongwana ahead of pivotal 2026 Budget Speech

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will table his second Budget for the Government of National Unity next week on Tuesday. As South Africa prepares for what many are calling a pivotal moment in its fiscal strategy, opposition parties and civil society groups have expressed strong expectations for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s upcoming 2026 Budget Speech. This will beGodongwana’s second budgetfor the Government of National Unity (GNU) and follows the historic postponement of last year’s Budget due to fierce opposition against a proposed VAT increase.

The current economic landscape presents unique challenges, as the National Treasury seeks to strike a delicate balance between fostering economic growth and supporting the most vulnerable citizens amid limited resources. There is also pressure from commitments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address, which included the promised employment of 10,000 labour inspectors and initiatives to tackle organised crime and illegal mining, among others. GOOD Party Secretary-General Brett Herron said they would like to hear Godongwana finally announce his plans for expanding theSocial Relief of Distress Grantinto a full Basic Income Grant.

“It has been many years of promises to the poorest among us regarding this, and both the president and minister of Finance have consistently kicked the can down the road,” Herron said. He also said it was of critical importance that Godongwana adequately address the failing municipal finance model. Similarly, ActionSA MP Alan Beesley echoed concerns over the burden of taxation, insisting that there should be no increases and instead a greater emphasis on cutting corruption and inefficiencies in the public sector.

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“Talk and lovely words will not grow the economy. We need measurable, bold, and pragmatic reforms. There needs to be measurable reforms for improving logistics, reducing energy costs, and eliminating red tape,” he said, adding that Godongwana must address the growing illicit trade, which is a cancer killing our people and our economy.

“There must be a freeze on sin taxes and increased funding allocated to SARS, Border Management Association, and the SAPS to specifically target the rapidly growing illegal market,” said Beesley. ACDP Chief Whip Steve Swart stressed the need for the budget to uplift citizens who grapple with high crime rates, inadequate education and health services, and deteriorating municipal services.

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