Viewing & Expert Analysis
Date: 25 February 2026
Time: 13:00 – 16:00 (followed by a cocktail event)
Venue: CSIR international Convention Centre, Pretoria
On 25 February 2026, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver the National Budget Speech, an address that will shape South Africa’s economic outlook, tax policy, and fiscal priorities for the year ahead.
Join CIBA at our Budget Speech Viewing & Expert Analysis Event, for a live screening of the speech alongside real-time commentary by leading tax and economics professionals. Together, we’ll unpack the implications for your practice, your clients, and the broader economy.
Tax specialists Johan Heydenrych and Ettiene Retief, together with Dr. Frederich Kirst, will provide expert insights as the budget unfold, translating policy into practical takeaways.
Following the session, connect with fellow professionals over cocktails and
Event Introduction
In 2025, South Africa’s Finance, Real Estate & Business Services sector remained a key contributor to economic activity, despite persistent fiscal pressures. With subdued growth and a widening budget deficit, tax policy adjustments, potentially including tax hikes, are widely anticipated in the upcoming 2026 National Budget Speech.
That’s why we’re hosting the CIBA 2026 Budget Speech Viewing & Expert Analysis Event, a focused, real-time breakdown of the Budget Speech designed for finance professionals who need to understand not just what’s announced, but what it means for compliance, planning, and advisory going forward.
Whether you’re navigating client tax strategies, managing risk, or leading financial decision-making, this session will equip you with timely insights from three leading experts: Tax specialists Johan Heydenrych and Ettiene Retief, and Dr. Frederich Kirst -Senior Lecturer at School of Economics at UJ. As the Budget Speech unfolds, our experts will decode its contents and provide clear, practical commentary.
The event concludes with a cocktail networking session, an opportunity to exchange views with peers and reflect on the road ahead for South Africa’s economy.
Ticket prices
In-person attendance R350 per person
Online attendance R250 per person
Event Highlights: 2026 Budget Speech Viewing & Expert Analysis
Watch and Interpret the National Budget in Real Time
Join fellow finance professionals as we live-stream the 2026 Budget Speech and unpack each announcement as it happens.
Live Expert Commentary from Industry Leaders
Gain practical insight from:
- Johan Heydenrych, Tax Driector at Kreston SA
- Ettiene Retief, Head of Tax at Omne
- Dr. Frederich Kirst -Senior Lecturer at School of Economics at UJ
Budget Impacts, Explained
Understand the likely implications of:
- Anticipated tax increases
- Shifts in government spending priorities
- Key macroeconomic indicators and their relevance to business
From Policy to Practice
- Personal and Corporate Tax Outlook – What the changes mean for compliance and advisory
- Indirect Taxes and VAT Trends – How potential eVAT developments could affect reporting
- Small Business Relief or Risk? – Updates that may benefit or burden SMEs
- Public Sector and Infrastructure Allocations – Sector-specific impact for finance professionals
Interactive Q&A and Facilitated Discussion
Pose your questions and gain deeper insight into areas most relevant to your firm or clients.
Cocktail Networking Session
Engage with colleagues and thought leaders to reflect on the fiscal path ahead.
Limited seats are available. Book now:
Meet the voices that matters:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
|
12:30 – 13:00 |
Arrival & Registration
Guests arrive, tea/coffee on arrival
|
|
13:00 – 13:10 |
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Nicolaas van Wyk, CEO, CIBA
|
|
13:10 – 13:30 |
Pre-Budget Insights
Expert panel sets expectations and key themes
|
|
13:30 – 15:00 |
Live Budget Speech Viewing
Streamed directly from Parliament
|
|
During Speech |
Real-Time Commentary & Analysis
Panel reacts and unpacks key measures
|
|
15:00 – 15:30 |
Panel Discussion & Q&A
Audience engagement with speakers
|
|
15:30 – 15:55 |
Summary Reflections
Practical takeaways for firms and clients
|
|
15:55 – 16:00 |
Closing Remarks |
|
16:00 – 17:30 |
Cocktail Networking Session |
