Mahlengi Bhengu - ANC National Spokesperson...Pic by Central News
The African National Congress (ANC) has outlined its expectations for the 2026 National Budget, tabled by the Minister of Finance, as the country experiences renewed economic momentum and growing confidence. With inflation moderated, the rand strengthened, and bond yields eased, the economy is moving upward, supported by improved macroeconomic stability and declining risk premiums.
“We expect the Budget to consolidate fiscal stability, accelerate structural reform, and decisively advance inclusive growth, job creation and social protection,” said Mahlengi Bhengu, ANC National Spokesperson.
According to Bhengu, “This budget is not just about figures and allocations; it is about the lived experiences of our people, addressing historical injustices, and ensuring that economic transformation remains at the centre of governance”.
The stabilisation of public debt as a percentage of GDP, marks a turning point after years of fiscal strain. With
the main budget deficit projected to narrow from 4.5 percent, the ANC looks to the Budget to translate this
hard-won stability into expanded developmental capacity rather than reduced service delivery.
The party expects the Budget to build on the projected economic growth in 2026, rising up to 2% by 2028, by intensifying reforms in electricity, logistics, water, and industrial development.
Key areas of focus include infrastructure development, with priority areas such as energy transmission expansion, rail freight modernisation, water security, housing, and municipal bulk infrastructure. “Infrastructure must remain central to economic recovery,” Bhengu emphasized.
The ANC also stresses the importance of strengthening public ownership of strategic state assets and safeguarding state control, constitutional accountability, and the developmental mandate of government. “Any partnership model must safeguard state control, constitutional accountability and the developmental mandate of government,” Bhengu stated.
“Protecting the social wage remains paramount with more than 60 per cent of consolidated spending
supporting health, education, social protection and employment programmes. Protecting the poor will
continue with allocations to extend the Social Relief of Distress grant until 2027 providing necessary relief to
vulnerable households. The ANC anticipates that the redesign of this grant will strengthen pathways to skills
development, livelihoods and productive economic participation while safeguarding dignity.”
The ANC believes that the situation in local government demands decisive structural intervention and the ANC expects a shift toward utility-style service models, stricter enforcement of financial compliance measures and the introduction of Distribution Agency Agreements to restore accountability and protect essential services.
