Budget 2026 | Ten things to know

Here’s the 10 things you should know about Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s budget speech on Wednesday, 25 February.

By Francois Williams, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

1. Personal income tax brackets have been adjusted in line with inflation.
2. The threshold for mandatory VAT registration has increased from R1 million to R2,3 million.
3. The capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of a small business asset has increased from R10 million to R15 million.
4. A person over the age of 55 who sells a small business will now only pay capital gains tax on amounts above R2,7 million, up from R1,8 million previously.
5. The annual capital gains tax exclusion has increased from R40 000 to R50 000.
6. The fuel levy on diesel has increased by 8c to R3,93 per litre.
7. R400 million in the Department of Agriculture’s budget has been redirected to assist in the fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
8. Economic growth of 1,6% is expected this year.
9. The excise duty on a 750ml bottle of wine has increased by 15c, while the duty on a 340ml can of beer has increased by 8c.
10. The limit on contributions to retirement investment products that may be deducted from taxable income has increased from R350 000 to R430 000.

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