South Africa has entered uncharted waters following deep divisions in the coalition government over the national budget that has finally been tabled after a month-long delay.

South Africa's budget may be tweaked further as more talks between political parties will try to overcome differences over a contentious plan to raise value-added tax, the country's finance minister told Reuters.

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South Africa's cabinet was still meeting on the 2025 budget less than one hour before the finance minister was due to present it in parliament on Wednesday, a source from the Democratic Alliance party said, after the budget was already postponed once for lack of agreement.

Business leaders have warned that South Africa cannot get complacent thinking that the tabled budget on Wednesday (12 March) is a done deal, saying that it has not been passed, and great uncertainty lies ahead.

South Africa's National Treasury on Wednesday proposed a smaller hike in value-added tax in a revised budget aimed at ending deadlock within the coalition government, but it was not clear if it would get the support in parliament to pass.

South Africa's finance minister unveiled Wednesday a budget with a smaller increase in value-added tax than previously proposed, but it was immediately rejected by a key party in the unity government.

In Parliament, Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirms the US as a vital partner for South Africa, despite challenges posed by disinformation.

South Africa’s finance minister unveiled Wednesday a budget with a smaller increase in value-added tax than previously proposed, but it was immediately rejected by a key party in the unity government.

South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana may have to make changes to the national budget after parties that control more than half the seats in parliament rejected his plans to raise taxes.

Explore how South Africa's proposed 16% VAT rate stacks up against global standards and what it means for consumers.