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BUDGET 2026 | Treasury declines health department’s call to phase out medical tax credits
Credits increased in line with inflation, contrary to health department’s plan
WEDNESDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2026, 14:46

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Credits increased in line with inflation, contrary to health department’s plan

Top Stories
South Africa’s 2026 Budget has raised various fuel levies in line with inflation, pushing up petrol and diesel prices as the government seeks additional funding, including support for the financially strained Road Accident Fund.

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Treasury increases all other welfare grants in line with inflation.
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National Treasury is stepping in to stimulate the economy and fix the municipalities, with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana declaring the age of austerity over.
South Africa
HIV/Aids research funding bolstered
Government will allocate some R410 million over the medium term to offset the funding gap in research left after the withdrawal of funding by the United States.
This according to the National Treasury’s 2026 Budget Review released alongside the Budget Speech on Wednesday.
“Over the medium term, R410 million will be reprioritised from the...
South Africa
Social grants to increase
All social grants, barring the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, will increase in the next financial year.
This is according to the 2026 Budget Review released by National Treasury on Wednesday.
The grant increases are as follows:
Old age grant will increase from R2 315 to R2 400.War veterans grant will increase from R2 335 to R2...
South Africa
R12 billion in savings identified through TARS programme
National Treasury’s Targeted and Responsible Savings (TARS) programme has identified some R12 billion in wasteful and ineffective programs within government.This according to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana who delivered the 2026 Budget Speech in Parliament on Wednesday.“[In] the Budget last May, we promised that...
South Africa
Infrastructure remains the ‘bedrock’ of SA economic growth
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has reiterated government’s commitment to making infrastructure investment the bedrock of the country’s growing economy.
The Minister tabled the 2026 Budget Speech in Parliament on Wednesday.
“Infrastructure investment remains the foundation upon which long-term economic growth, improved...
World
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has praised Ukrainians for withstanding four years of Russian attacks with “immense courage”, saying Moscow has failed to break their spirit or win the war it started.

World
Americans visiting a Mexican resort city share what they’re seeing and experiencing following the killing of a powerful cartel leader.
World
Seventeen international aid groups said they have petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court to allow them to keep working in the Gaza Strip and other areas in the occupied Palestinian territory, where the Israeli government is set to halt their life-saving work.
World
Iran is close to a deal with China to purchase anti‑ship cruise missiles, according to six people with knowledge of the negotiations, just as the US deploys a vast naval force near the Iranian coast ahead of possible strikes on the Islamic Republic.

Africa
After a long time in the wilderness, Zimbabwe are again contending on the biggest stage at the 2026 T20 World Cup – this is the story of their resurgence.

Africa
Uganda has some of the strictest anti-homosexual laws in the world.

Africa
The bill seeks prison terms of five to ten years for what it describes as “acts against nature”.

Africa
Senegal’s prime minister says it is “regrettable” that 18 of its football fans have been handed prison sentences related to disturbances at the 2025 Afcon final.

Business
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has tabled the budget for 2026, including some welcome tax relief for taxpayers.

Business
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has tabled the 2026 Budget, which includes some much-needed relief for South Africans on medical aids.
Business
Business

Politics
Khawula’s name came up at the Commission on numerous occasions.

Politics
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to table National Budget to MPs.

Politics
The ANC in Mpumalanga held a two-day provincial Lekgotla in Mbombela.

Politics
Brown Mogotsi says Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala claimed an IPID insider could erase criminal cases

Sport
The Proteas head into a crucial T20 World Cup against the West Indies on Thursday, and it does start earlier than their previous games.

Sport
Which Kaizer Chiefs players flopped – and could be fearing the axe – and which Amakhosi players went down fighting in defeat?

Sport
Former Orlando Pirates superstar Monnapule Saleng is yet to don the Mamelodi Sundowns jersey. Coach Miguel Cardoso has offered the latest.

Sport
The 48th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour will take place on Sunday, 8 March and will attract thousands of enthusiastic cyclists.
Education
[Parliament of South Africa] The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has noted with serious concern a social media post attributed to University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Professor Srila Roy, in which it is alleged that “South Africans have little ambition, are complacent and have poor work ethic.”
Education
[African Union] The African Union Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation hosted a side event, the High-Level Partners’ Consultation on Accelerating the AU Decade of Education and Skills Development (2025-2034) at the Margins of the AU Summit 2026 on 13 February 2026 at the AU Headquarters.
Education
[This Day] Abuja — The National Examinations Council (NECO) says it will deepen collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the partnership would enhance result verification and promote computer-based examinations nationwide.
Education
[This Day] Sokoto — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the governments of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, is taking steps to strengthen Early Childhood Education (ECCE) in the region.
Lifestyle

Lifestyle
Reality TV star Yolanda Gumbi shared a mysterious post, suggesting that Unisa could be her chosen university of study.

Lifestyle
Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy’s children Jasmin Lawrence and Eric Murphy are expecting their first child together.
Lifestyle

Entertainment
Season 9 tensions rise as MaKhwela finally addresses rumours and motherhood.

Entertainment
Political parties are charged up in the fight to lead the City of Johannesburg.

Entertainment
South African star Tyla hits international award milestone.

Entertainment
Some fans said Kaybee’s comment was unnecessary…

Science/Tech
All social grants, barring the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, will increase in the next financial year. This is according to the 2026 Budget Review released by National Treasury on Wednesday. The grant increases are as follows: Old age grant will increase from R2 315 to R2 400. War veterans grant will increase […]

Science/Tech
Wayve says it’s confident all cars will one day be autonomous, as it announced more than a £1bn in additional investment.

Science/Tech
SA Connect phase two will be completed in the 2025/26 financial year, with a focus on maintaining broadband connectivity in underserviced communities and government facilities.

Science/Tech
Data infrastructure should be considered as critical as electricity, ports and transport networks, says finance minister Enoch Godongwana.
Motoring

Motoring
These 10 affordable models account for more than a quarter of all the cars sold in South Africa.

Motoring
The directors who oversaw the collapse and liquidation of a state-owned South African airline are facing renewed pressure.

Motoring
Auto&General has been a leader in the South African insurance industry for many years and is known for its total commitment to its customers.
Health
In an era of overt sexism in the sciences, she made two major discoveries, including identifying a neuropeptide later linked to chronic pain syndromes and migraines.
Health
Federal health officials have pared back the number of shots recommended for children. The states, led by Democrats, say the changes were not based on science.

Health
New contract will require patients in England to be given immediate appointment if needed.
Health
Ms. Stavenhagen started a group intended to counter the notion that A.L.S. was an “older white man’s disease.”