Finance News Update | 23 Feb 2026

General Headlines

Big turn for South Africa coming this week

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to present encouraging improvements in South Africa’s fiscal position when he delivers the national budget in Cape Town on Wednesday at 14h00. According to a Bloomberg survey, National Treasury is likely to outperform its projected consolidated budget deficit of 4.7% of GDP for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with economists forecasting a narrower shortfall of around 4.4%. The government is also anticipated to meet its objective of stabilising public debt during the current fiscal year, potentially paving the way for a positive revision to the country’s sovereign credit rating outlook. (Business Tech)

Trump vows new 10% global tariff after crushing loss

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to introduce a new 10% global tariff after the Supreme Court struck down most of the import levies he enacted last year. In a 6–3 ruling, the court found that Trump exceeded his authority by using federal emergency powers legislation to justify broad “reciprocal” tariffs and certain targeted measures linked to fentanyl trafficking concerns. Although the White House has indicated it will explore alternative mechanisms to reinstate import taxes, legal and procedural hurdles are expected to limit the scope and duration of any new tariffs, potentially complicating efforts to revive the administration’s trade agenda. (Business Tech)

Markets & Investments

Gold boom fuels payouts and dealmaking among JSE miners

A surge in the gold price during 2025 has delivered substantial windfalls for shareholders of the JSE’s leading gold producers, who collectively returned more than R60 billion through dividends and share buybacks. AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony and Sibanye distributed approximately R62 billion to investors over the financial year, reflecting robust earnings growth across the sector. Sibanye reinstated dividends with a R3.7 billion payout, its first since 2023, while AngloGold declared a record $1.8 billion dividend following a sharp rise in profits. Harmony also posted a record final dividend of R2.4 billion. The sustained rally in bullion prices over the past two years has further stimulated heightened merger and acquisition activity within the industry. (Business Day)

Property & Real Assets

Middle-class flocking to these suburbs in South Africa’s richest city

Property demand is rising in Johannesburg South, particularly in suburbs such as Alberton, as middle class buyers seek greater affordability and value for money. The area’s appeal lies in its convenient access to major transport routes and the city centre, along with larger stands, green spaces and proximity to reputable schools, shopping centres and other amenities. According to Pam Golding Properties area manager Chareen Mota, the region also benefits from a broad spectrum of housing options and price ranges, making it attractive to both owner-occupiers and investors. (Business Tech)

Cape Town to cut residential property rates despite valuation surge

The City of Cape Town plans to reduce the residential rate-in-the-rand by 10.2% following the General Valuation 2025, despite a significant increase in overall property values. For homes valued below R3 million, the median monthly rate adjustment is expected to range between R3 and R27. To further ease the impact on homeowners, the city intends to raise the rates-free threshold from R450,000 to R500,000 and extend this benefit to properties valued up to R8 million. Officials estimate that 60% of residential properties will experience either a decrease in rates or no change, with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis stating that the proposed measures are designed to protect most homeowners from sharp increases despite higher valuations. (Business Day)