South Africa’s 2026 Budget arrived at a time of deep economic pressure for ordinary people. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, public services are stretched thin, and communities across the country are already feeling the impact of years of budget cuts and austerity. Each year, the national budget sets the direction for how public money will be raised and spent, but for many people, the budget process can feel technical, confusing, and far removed from everyday struggles.
The Budget 2026 Explainer Series aims to break down the key decisions in this year’s budget in clear and accessible language. This series unpacks what the budget really means for workers, unemployed people, women, communities, and public services. From healthcare and education to social protection and municipal services, the fact sheets highlight where the government is choosing to invest and where it is choosing to cut.
Understanding the budget is essential because it is not just numbers on a page; it is a political choice that shapes our society. Through this explainer series, we aim to equip activists, community members, and the broader public with the information they need to engage critically with the 2026 Budget and to demand an economy that prioritises people, dignity, and justice. Read more below.
