Black Sash urges government to put the needs of the millions of those living in South Africa who are struggling to survive at the centre of its planning. As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Budget Speech, Dignity, livelihoods, and basic survival must be a priority.
South Africa is at a critical point. Millions of people face persistent hunger, unemployment, rising food insecurity, and a cost of living that keeps growing faster than its social support.
The Budget Speech address by the Minister of Finance outlines the government’s financial plan with its primary purpose to allocate resources to government priorities, announce tax changes, and ensure transparency in public spending., it is a statement of values and a test of whether government will honour its constitutional obligations to allocate funds to ensure economic and social rights.
Public Services
For constitutional rights to be realised, the Budget must strengthen public services; access to healthcare, education, transport, housing and social services is essential. Adequate funding for staffing, infrastructure, and service delivery is critical for the state to meet the needs of the people it serves.
Social Grants
Social grants remain a vital lifeline. The Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD) and Child Support Grant are central to the survival of millions of people in South Africa. Yet their value still falls far short of what is needed for basic needs. The Child Support Grant remains at R560 is 35% below the Food Poverty Line of R855 and the SRD grant has not kept pace with inflation and rising household costs. Black Sash expects the 2026 Budget to address these gaps decisively as income support is not a luxury, it is an investment in social stability and economic participation.
We also call on government to reject taxes that unfairly burden those who are already struggling. Increases in VAT or other consumption-based taxes make inequality worse and make it harder for low-income households to meet their basic needs. We call on government to implement transformative tax policies, and we reject taxes that unfairly burden those who are already struggling. The focus should be on fair, progressive tax reforms that ensure those with the greatest ability to contribute, do so.
Job creation
Job creation and economic inclusion must be at the heart of the 2026 budget. Employment programmes must give people real skills and pathways to sustainable livelihoods, especially young people and marginalised communities. Temporary relief is not enough. People need opportunities to build lives of dignity.
Oversight
Finally, commitment to realising the rights in the Bill of Rights, transparency and accountability must guide all fiscal decisions. Every rand lost to corruption or mismanagement is a rand taken from a child’s meal, a pensioner’s medicine, or a caregiver’s ability to survive. Black Sash expects government to strengthen oversight, accountability and protect public funds in the service of the people.
South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights commitments demand more than survival. This Budget must actively enable dignity, equality, and opportunity for all. Black Sash calls on Finance Minister Godongwana and National Treasury to commit by taking bold, fair, and inclusive action to ensure social protection, public services, and fair taxation as the foundation of a just and thriving society.
For further information or inquiries, please contact Antony Mafume
Cell: 0685923801 Email: media@blacksash.org.za
Issued by: Black Sash