Financial, employment, and education experts react to Budget 2025. Jurgen Eckmann highlights the impact of unchanged tax brackets, Nkosinathi Mahlangu questions youth employment strategies, and Arno Jansen van Vuuren welcomes increased education funding despite VAT hikes and rising consumer costs.

Citadel’s Maarten Ackerman highlights key risks in Budget 2025, including debt concerns, uncertain GDP growth, and political instability. While infrastructure investment and fiscal consolidation show promise, execution challenges and tax hikes could strain economic recovery and household finances.

Standard Bank delivered R45 billion in headline earnings with an 18.5% return on equity, driven by balance sheet growth and strong insurance and asset management performance. CEO Sim Tshabalala highlights digital transformation, regional expansion, and strategic priorities for sustained African market growth.

Nazrien Kader of Old Mutual unpacks the 2025 Budget, highlighting VAT increases, tax adjustments, and new incentives. While corporate tax remains at 27%, individual taxpayers face bracket creep and no inflationary relief, contributing to a R19.5 billion real tax increase.

Ashley Wassall of Schroders explores the unique cashflow and return profiles of private market funds, explaining key concepts like the J-Curve, TVPI, IRR, and NAV. Learn how these metrics impact investment performance and why private and public markets differ in returns.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a staggered VAT increase to 16% by 2026/27. Experts from Webber Wentzel explore its legislative challenges, business implications, and tax recovery measures, while also highlighting new zero-rated items aimed at easing the burden on low-income households.