This came after Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana suggested that VAT will increase by 1% by next.
Minister of Finance also confirmed that covid reviled scheme will be extended until next year March while increase Disability and Old age by 130.
Enoch Godongwana said “Social grants are allocated R284.7 billion in 2025/26. This allows us to increase the old age and disability grants by R130 to R2 315 in April, the Child Support Grant by R30 to R560 per month. The foster care grant by R70.
“The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD), in its current form, will be extended by a year to end March 2026. R35.2 billion is allocated for this purpose.”
He says R28.9 billion is added to the health budget, mainly to keep about 9,300 healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics.
For Basic Education, R19.1 billion has been added over the medium term to keep approximately 11,000 teachers in classrooms.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was left impressed by Minister of Finance for dealing with how he handled the budget.
Ramaphosa also other urged parties to study and debate the budget, especially given declining revenue.
He said “The minister was faced with a lot of challenges and difficulties on how to balance the budget, but also not wanting to cut spending.
“So he had to juggle. Parliament will seat and discuss all of that and they must not bring solutions.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
