Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has assured South Africans that the 2026 National Budget will be finalized and passed smoothly next month, without the disruptions that marred last year’s process.

Speaking to IOL at the South Africa Night event on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Godongwana said lessons from 2025 had shaped a more coordinated approach this time around.

“There won’t be a repeat of last year’s fiasco,” the minister said, referring to the unprecedented postponement of the 2025 Budget Speech — the first in South Africa’s democratic history. The delay, which lasted nearly a month, was caused by disagreements within the Government of National Unity (GNU), particularly between the ANC and its coalition partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), over key fiscal matters.

We have learnt a number of lessons from last year and are working closely with all relevant parties to ensure broad support for this year’s budget,” he added.

Godongwana also noted that South Africa’s message at this year’s WEF reflects a shift from rhetoric to tangible progress. “In the past, we’ve made many promises about change,” he said. “This year, we’re at Davos saying that those changes have actually taken place.”