South Africa, March 13 -- Let's unpack the key changes and what they mean for consumers:

VAT increase - higher prices for everyday goods

One of the most notable changes is the increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT), which will rise from 15% to 15.5% on May 1, 2025, with another 0.5% increase coming in 2026.

For consumers, this means everyday goods and services will become more expensive - from electricity and clothing to transport and personal care products.

While basic food items remain VAT-exempt and more items were added to VAT-exempt, the reality is that many essentials will see price hikes, adding further strain to household budgets.

This increase will hit low- and middle-income earners the hardest, as VAT is a regressive tax-meaning...