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Unions say R10bn fuel relief is only a temporary fix

Published

Trade unions and organisations say the government's R10bn fuel relief will do little to ease soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of living. They say it gives only short-term breathing room while record fuel prices continue to hurt households.

The relief cuts the fuel levy by R3/l for diesel and R1.50/l for petrol. The cut runs from 4 November to 1 December.

Separately, Treasury said R13bn in expected social grant savings over the medium term will fund efforts against gender-based violence and child stunting. Of that, R3.8bn is set aside for provinces to hire more than 3,500 social workers. Another R1.6bn will support pregnant women and young children through the district health programmes grant.

Treasury also revised gross tax revenue upward by R17.1bn.

Key facts

Who
Enoch Godongwana (finance minister); Duncan Pieterse (director-general of the National Treasury); Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi (Gauteng police spokesperson (Col))
When
22 October 2026
Where
South Africa, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng
Status
Reported

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