The fuel levy increase comes into effect on Wednesday, with the general levy for petrol and diesel up to R4.01c/l and R3.85c/l, respectively, marking the first such hike in three years.
The National Treasury estimates the fuel levy adjustment will generate about R4bn, which is significantly lower than the revenue estimated from the now withdrawn 0.5 percentage point VAT increase.
The EFF, which successfully opposed the VAT increase in court, has asked the Western Cape High Court to interdict the fuel levy increase, arguing the announcement by finance minister Enoch Godongwana bypasses parliamentary processes and is unlawful.
“Allowing such an increase without a money bill risks the entire national budget being declared invalid by the courts — potentially long after funds have already been spent. This would severely damage the constitutional standing of parliament, undermine financial accountability and cause serious consequences for service delivery and public confidence in government,” the EFF said.
On Tuesday Gauteng MEC for finance and economic development Lebogang Maile will retable the 2025/26 provincial budget in the Gauteng legislature after the third iteration of the national budget on May 21.
In the withdrawn budget, tabled in March, Maile raised concerns about the finances of SA’s financial and economic hub, saying the province faced a “liquidity crisis” that risked deepening if resources were not spent prudently.
In parliament on Tuesday, the finance standing and select committees will consider the draft committee report on the fiscal framework and revenue proposals that outlines the Treasury’s revenue and spending projections for the year. If adopted by the committees, the report will be considered by the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces for adoption.
On Wednesday, MPs will question the governance cluster of ministers comprising the departments of co-operative governance & traditional affairs, planning, monitoring & evaluation, public service & administration, and women, youth & persons with disabilities, as well as the minister in the presidency responsible for the government communications and information system.
Also on Wednesday, the National Assembly will consider a committee report on the Older Persons Amendment Bill, which is aimed at strengthening protections for the elderly.
MPs will also debate the theme of “harnessing parliamentary diplomacy for the realisation of global solidarity, equality and sustainability” as part of preparations for G20 summit events.
“This year, SA holds the presidency of the G20. In alignment with this role, parliament will host the P20 summit — a gathering of speakers and presiding officers of parliaments from G20 member countries,” parliament said in a statement.
“The P20 platform serves as the parliamentary dimension of the G20 and aims to strengthen global legislative collaboration on key development priorities. Under this theme, SA’s parliament will use this forum to champion inclusive development, democratic values and multilateral co-operation through robust parliamentary dialogue.”
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