National Assembly to meet for first sitting of 2026 to pass medium-term budget

In a break from tradition, the National Assembly will meet for its first sitting of 2026 on Tuesday to pass the medium-term budget.

Usually, this is concluded before the House rises at the end of the calendar year.

Owing to disagreements over the main budget in early 2025 and the subsequent delays in getting it passed, it had the knock-on effect of pushing out the tabling of the adjustments budget to November.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana stunned the country when he tabled the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in November, when he lowered the inflation target to 3% - a decision that pundits only expected him to make when he tables the 2026 budget in February.

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On Tuesday, the National Assembly will be expected to give the thumbs up to adjustments made to the 2025 budget, including more money for thelocal government elections and an allocation for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating police corruption.

The Division of Revenue Bill, which apportions additional funding to the provinces and municipalities, has already been passed by both Houses.

“Parliament is now finalising the remaining legislation that allows government to respond to changing economic conditions, and emerging priorities during the current financial year,” said parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo.

Members of Parliament (MPs) will also be considering a Special Appropriation Bill, allocating R754 million to the Health Department to plug the gap left by the United States (US) pulling the lug on HIV/AIDS support.