South Africa: Government Welcomes Mid-Term Budget

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni welcomed the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, which aims in part to ease the cost of living, along with temporary fuel levy cuts announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. The budget allocates R3.8 billion to recruit more than 3,500 social workers to strengthen efforts against gender-based violence. Two people accused of murdering Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock are due in Johannesburg High Court for pre-trial proceedings; alleged shooter Armando Pacula pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Businessman Suliman Carrim is also due in court on additional theft and fraud charges over an alleged attempt to smuggle two vehicles to Malawi.