Click on each question below to learn more
Where do I find budget documents?
Who writes the budget?
National Treasury prepares the National Budget, including how much is allocated to National Departments, Provinces, Public Entities and Municipalities. The budget is based on inputs from these departments and other stakeholders like Cabinet and The Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC).
The Budget presented in February and the MTBPS in October is the Treasury Proposal. Parliament then decides, with input from the public and other stakeholders, such as the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), whether to approve, reject or amend the budget, before it is passed into law.
Who spends the money?
National Treasury allocates the budget to entities against a budget proposal. The  Public Finance Management Act of 1999 stipulates how and when changes can be made within Votes and between programmes. The money is spent by the departments, who are required to report on expenditure on a monthly or quarterly basis.
When does the budget come out?/what is the budget cycle?
The main events in the budget cycle take place in February for the tabling of the budget for the year, and in October for the MTBPS (which includes information about any shifts taking place within the financial year, and the general outlook for the next 3 years.
The actual budget cycle takes place throughout the year as departments prepare budget inputs which are then considered by Treasury.
See a video explaining the budget process here
How can I make my voice heard on the budget?
There are many ways that you can make your voice called on the budget, by writing op-ed, sharing views in the media or organising your community.
The formal opportunities to make inputs on the budget that the BJC has used in the past include the Parliamentary Budget hearings, which take place in the weeks following the tabling of the budget, and MTBPS.
What’s the difference between the main budget and the MTBPS?
The main budget, usually in February is when the National Treasury delivers the budget for the year ahead. The speech is a summary of several documents which are published with the main budget, including The Budget Review, Estimates of National Expenditure, the Division of Revenue and Appropriation Bills.
The MTBPS, usually in October, allows government departments to apply for adjustments to their budgets, rollovers, and request additional funds. The MTBPS also outlines the policy framework for the Budget that is presented in the following February and updates National Treasury’s economic forecasts.
The mid-term budget also includes information on: spending estimates, adjustments to the proposed revenue and spending estimates for the second half of the current year; and outcomes for the previous financial year.
What is gender responsive budgeting?
Gender-responsive budgeting – or GRB in government and policy circles – is an essential tool for achieving a truly equitable society. At its best, GRB goes far beyond superficial allocations but it’s a strategy to ensure budget works for everyone, including women, men, children and non-binary groups. It fundamentally shapes how governments raise revenue, allocate resources and spend public money, ensuring that every fiscal decision actively works to dismantle the systemic inequalities that face.
Where does the government get the money from?
The government gets most of its money from taxes. In 2025, almost R2 trillion was collected, mostly from Personal Income Tax (R793 billion), Value Added Tax (482 billion) and Corporate Income Tax (R339 billion).