Overview

In the October 2024 medium-term budget policy statement, the Finance Minister noted that government debt was projected to exceed R6 billion, or 75.5% of GDP, by 2025/26. He further highlighted that this debt is currently “the largest component of spending and rising faster than economic growth.” At the same time, the Honourable Minister acknowledged that tax collections for the year were approximately R22 billion below the February 2024 budget target.

In this context of high government debt, constrained economic growth, limited investment, and uncertain tax collections, a critical question for the 2025 Budget Speech is: What actions will be proposed to ensure fiscal sustainability in South Africa?

A clear plan is needed to address the rising debt, especially if tax collections fail to improve. However, how can tax revenue be increased in an already high-tax environment? While government expenditure must be carefully managed, it is essential to maintain critical services and ensure infrastructure is appropriately funded and developed.

This balancing act demands prudence and decisive action. It will be vital for the Finance Minister to deliver clear and actionable policy statements in February 2025.

What Does This Mean for You and Your Clients?

How will these developments impact your personal finances, your business, and your clients? What proactive planning can be undertaken amidst this uncertainty?

Join economic and tax experts, Dr Roelof Botha and Prof Jackie Arendse, for an in-depth analysis of the Finance Minister’s announcements. This webinar is essential for tax and accounting professionals seeking a practical understanding of the Budget Speech’s implications.

Webinar Content

• Economic overview and analysis
• Tax policy aspects of the Budget
• Practical insights into the implementation of announcements
• Main tax amendments introduced in the Budget Speech
• Projections for the South African tax landscape

Competencies Developed

After attending this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the economic context in South Africa and anticipate possible future trends.
• Stay updated on critical changes in tax legislation introduced in the Budget Speech.
• Provide informed advice to clients on the implications of tax amendments for their finances, compliance, and future planning.
• Train your staff to implement the latest tax changes effectively.
• Identify key points for inclusion in client communications about tax amendments.
• Revise client tax planning strategies for the 2024/2025 tax year based on new legislative developments.

Presenters

Dr Roelof Botha

Dr Roelof Botha is a former recipient of the prestigious Finmedia Economist of the Year award and has shared platforms with two Nobel Peace Prize laureates. With a professional career spanning over 50 years, his extensive experience includes roles such as:

• Economic policy advisor at National Treasury
• Financial editor of a daily newspaper
• Senior lecturer in economics at various universities, including GIBS
• Chief economist of the SA Federated Chamber of Industries

Dr Botha currently serves as the economic advisor to the Optimum Investment Group and has authored over 2,000 articles and research reports. His expertise in analysing key macroeconomic and socio-political trends in the Southern African region has been utilised by more than 1,000 companies and organisations.

In addition, Dr Botha is a regular columnist for national and regional publications, including Media24, Die Burger, BetterBond Property Brief, Business Maverick, and The Bright Side, published by Currencies Direct..

Prof Jackie Arendse 

B Acc (Wits) M Acc (Tax) (UKZN) Chartered Accountant (SA) PhD (Accounting) (Rhodes)

Jackie is a Chartered Accountant [CA(SA)] with a PhD in Accounting, specialising in Taxation, from Rhodes University. She has over 30 years of experience, the majority of which has been dedicated to the field of taxation.

After completing her training at Deloitte, Jackie spent several years working in commerce before transitioning to academia at Wits University. There, she honed her academic expertise, specialising in taxation through lecturing, researching, and authoring work across a wide range of tax-related topics.

Alongside her academic career, Jackie has contributed significantly to the profession, serving on numerous professional committees and as the Project Director for Tax at SAICA from 2004 to 2006. She also held leadership roles as the Head of the School of Accountancy at Wits University and the Head of the Department of Accounting at Rhodes University.

In 2021, Jackie began developing the Taxation component of a fully online postgraduate programme designed for aspiring Chartered Accountants, as well as a separate accredited programme for students pursuing the SAIT-accredited tax practitioner qualification. These programmes have since been integrated into Eduvos, where Jackie now serves as the Subject Head of Taxation.

Jackie is the managing author and one of the founding authors of Silke on Tax Administration and the author of Income Tax Reporter, both published by LexisNexis. She is also a highly sought-after presenter, providing tax training to accountants, tax practitioners, and businesses across South Africa.

CPD

Attending this webinar and the successful completion of the online assessment will secure a certificate of completion for 2 hours of Tax CPD.

Event Investment

Free for Tax Technician, Tax Practitioner, Tax Accountant CPD subscribers and Practice Packages. Not a CPD subscriber yet? Click here to register now.

• Regular price:  R460.00
• Special rate for SAIT members:  R368.00
• Group booking discounts available when you register for a group.

Payments and Cancellations

• All payments must be made by EFT or by credit card, at least three working days before commencement of an event.
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• Proof of payment will be requested at registration if payment does not reflect in The Tax Faculty’s bank account.
• Only written notice of cancellation will be recognized.
• Conditions:
  • If the cancellation occurs more than four working days prior to the event no cancellation fee will be charged.
  • If the cancellation occurs less than four working days prior to the event, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
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• Please click here for the full terms and conditions.