What to Expect from South Africa's 2026 Budget and Dairy Challenges

Summary

As South Africa prepares for the 2026 national budget announcement, many are watching closely to understand how it will impact the economy, businesses, and everyday South Africans. Experts from Corusca Consulting and Tax Consulting SA say the government may focus on balancing spending with revenue, aiming to support economic recovery while controlling debt. Education institutions like Eduvos stress the importance of budget allocations to improve skills and job readiness. Meanwhile, the dairy industry faces challenges due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which threatens livestock health and could affect milk supply and prices. Farmers and businesses in the sector are under pressure to manage the disease impact, which may lead to higher costs for consumers. These combined issues highlight the tight balance the government must strike between supporting growth, managing public health issues, and ensuring consumer protection.