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The 2025 Budget Speech confirmed an increase in social grants, including a R130 boost to the old age and disability grants, a R30 rise for the child support grant, and a R50 increase for foster care, The South African reports. To help offset the VAT hike, the government allocated R284.7 billion to social grants, with the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant extended until March 2026. Initially, a larger increase was proposed, but adjustments were made to balance the budget. The SRD grant may evolve into a long-term income support system, with a review set for completion by September 2025.

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VAT & Taxes Increase – VAT goes up by 0.5% for two years, and tax brackets stay the same, meaning higher personal income taxes. Source: News24 #news #tiktoksouthafrica

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According to News24, Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would buy a new Tesla to support CEO Elon Musk amid stock declines and protests against the company. Tesla shares dropped over 15% following a UBS forecast cut, exacerbated by broader market fears. Musk, now a senior advisor in Trump’s administration, faces criticism for his involvement in government job cuts. Investors remain divided on Tesla’s valuation, as its stock is largely tied to Musk’s ambitious robotaxi and AI promises rather than current vehicle sales. Despite declining profits and increased competition, Tesla’s market value remains significantly higher than other automakers.

According to News24, with just 48 hours before the budget is tabled in Parliament, the ANC and DA have failed to reach an agreement on the fiscal framework, raising concerns about its approval. A major sticking point is a proposed VAT increase, which the DA opposes unless the ANC commits to a comprehensive spending review. The ANC, however, appears ready to move forward without DA support and may seek backing from the EFF or smaller parties to pass the budget. The deadlock follows an earlier Cabinet meeting where ANC ministers objected to the scale of the VAT hike. While the ANC has since accepted a smaller increase, the final details remain uncertain. As the March 12 deadline approaches, the fate of the budget hangs in the balance, with potential political and economic consequences if an agreement isn’t reached.

According to Times Live, Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has called for illegal foreigners to be barred from receiving medical treatment in South African hospitals following the US government’s decision to cut USAID-funded healthcare programmes, resulting in a 17% funding loss. He argued that with the removal of PEPFAR funding, medical services should be prioritized for South African citizens. McKenzie also urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to mend ties with the US, warning that the funding cut would worsen unemployment and hinder HIV/AIDS treatment. His remarks come amid tensions between South Africa and the US, with advocacy group AfriForum being accused of spreading misinformation that contributed to the cuts.

According to EWN, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his disappointment with the deteriorating state of Johannesburg, particularly as the city hosts international delegates for the G20 ministerial meetings. He noted that welcoming global leaders to a city with malfunctioning traffic lights, crumbling infrastructure, and general disorder was an embarrassment. Despite previous efforts to revitalize the inner city, Johannesburg continues to struggle with maintenance and service delivery. With the city set to host the 2025 G20 Summit, urgent action is needed to improve conditions and restore its reputation on the global stage.

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The President is unhappy with the poor state of Johannesburg. Source: EWN #news #tiktoksouthafrica

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