The National Liquor Traders says the recent excise tax hike will have devastating consequences for the legal liquor industry. With a 6.75% increase in excise duties on alcoholic beverages, the industry fears that honest businesses will struggle to stay afloat while illicit traders thrive. Elvis Presslin spoke to Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders Convenor to elaborate further about their concerns

Social grant activist Elizabeth Raiters has welcomed the extension of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant until March 2026, but says that the R370 payout has lost significant value due to rising living costs. Despite the finance minister's allocation of R35.2 billion for the grant, Raiters argues that the amount should have been increased to adequately support beneficiaries. Elizabeth Raiters spoke to Elvis Presslin to share her insights on this critical issue

The ANC says the VAT increase will be offset by higher social grants and an expanded list of zero-rated essential foods to shield lower-income households. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana yesterday tabled the revised 2025/2026 budget after the initial proposal was rejected due to its suggested 16% VAT hike. The new VAT increase will be implemented in two phases: 0.5% from May 1, 2025, and another 0.5% from April 1, 2026. But the VAT increase has been met with fierce opposition from political parties and ordinary South Africans. Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Chief Whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli

The proposed Value Added Tax increase has sparked concerns among economists, who warn that it could further strain already struggling households. As part of his revised budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a 1 percentage point VAT hike, phased over two years. The first increase of 0.5% is set to take effect in May, followed by another 0.5% hike in April next year. To delve deeper into the potential implications of this decision, Elvis Presslin spoke to Qhivi Tiva, Head of Fixed Income at Prowess Asset Management

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has identified a disturbing trend of multiple public schools in the province seeking support to obtain liquor licenses, which would allow alcohol sales on school premises. The Department says some schools have already secured licenses without proper authorization. To discuss this issue, Elvis Presslin spoke to Vuyiseka Mboxela, Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape education department

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has strongly condemned the Treasury and South African Reserve Bank's pursuit of extreme neoliberal policies, citing deepened austerity and economic inequality. SAFTU argues that the lack of democratic oversight has led to repeated failures, including the disastrous GEAR policy in 1996. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU National Spokesperson, Newton Masuku

Labour federation Cosatu is staging nationwide protests today, pushing back against the government's proposed austerity measures, which are set to be unveiled in today's budget speech. The Union is opposed to any increases in Value-Added Tax (VAT) or personal income tax that would disproportionately affect low-income earners. To dive deeper into Cosatu's stance, Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU national spokesperson, Zanele Sabela

Opposition parties are opposing any VAT increases  ahead of today's revised budget speech. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF national spokesperson, Sinawo Tambo on their expectations for today's Budget speech...

Tensions are high ahead of today's revised budget speech, with opposition parties opposing any VAT increases. The Democratic Alliance - a member of the government of national unity is advocating for better revenue collection, while the MK Party threatens nationwide protests if hikes proceed. Elvis PResslin spoke to Democratic Alliance spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau

The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has condemned Minister Gayton McKenzie's alleged xenophobic comments in Parliament, which targeted foreign nationals. McKenzie sparked outrage after advocating to ban foreign nationals from accessing public hospitals in the country. Giwusa is now calling for his removal and prosecution for hate speech. To delve deeper into GIWUSA's stance, Elvis Presslin spoke to the union's President, Mametlwe Sebei