Budget 2026 predictions: 10 money points households need to track

As South Africans count down to the 2026 National Budget Speech, many question whether the minister has any plans to alleviate the financial pressure many households are facing. The budget’s biggest impacts are felt not only in parliament but also in households’ daily financial realities, at the petrol pump, the grocery store, and on payday. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver the speech next week, on 25 February, in Cape Town.

Ester Ochse, head of FNB Integrated Advice Product, notes that households spend more than 60% of their income on essentials such as accommodation, transport, and food, and even small policy shifts can affect their monthly budgets. She says the minister’s speech should not be seen as a one-off announcement but rather as a guide to everyday money choices. “When most of your income goes to essentials, there’s very little room for surprises,” she adds.

“Budget season matters because it signals what shape your financial reality will take over the year ahead, and where one might need to make adjustments.” Personal income tax:Changes to tax brackets or rebates directly affect take-home pay. “For younger earners, this shapes monthly savings; for higher earners, it influences long-term investment and debt strategies,” says Ochse. Fuel levies, electricity and transport costs:Fuel price changes are often felt immediately.

[paywall]

She says that whether you drive to work, use e-hailing, or rely on public transport, increases here can quietly push up monthly expenses. “At the same time, rising electricity tariffs are placing significant strain on South African’s pockets, making it essential to factor these costs into household budgets.” Food inflation and indirect taxes:Even if the Value-Added Tax (VAT) remains unchanged, inflation and indirect taxes can raise the prices of everyday staples.

[/paywall]