The postponement of the 2025 Budget Speech to 12 March has raised critical questions about South Africa’s economic trajectory and governance under the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The recent postponement of South Africa’s national budget speech marks a defining moment in the country’s financial and governance framework. This delay, the first under the Government of National Unity (GNU), extends beyond mere scheduling issues, it signals deeper structural challenges that demand urgent attention.

Planning for education costs is essential, especially with rising fees. Investing early, diversifying offshore, and using strategies like unit trusts or endowments can help parents manage expenses. Allan Gray’s Shaheed Mohamed shares insights on smart investment choices for long-term education funding.

With Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana set to deliver the 2025 Budget Speech tomorrow, all eyes are on whether South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has had any meaningful impact on the fiscus.

Geopolitical flashpoints, such as the war in Ukraine and escalating US-China tensions, are further complicating the outlook, keeping investor sentiment finely balanced. For Asian equities, these dynamics go beyond headline risks; they have real implications for company earnings and valuations, reinforcing the need for strategies that offer stability amid the turbulence.

Izak Odendaal, Old Mutual Wealth Investment Strategist, explores South Africa’s fiscal challenges ahead of the Budget Speech, global economic shifts, and geopolitical uncertainties. He highlights the need for fiscal consolidation, economic reforms, and sustainable growth to ensure long-term stability.