Taxpayers can breathe a sigh of some relief as Finance Minister Tito Mboweni tabled a 2021 Budget Speech this afternoon free from substantial tax hikes aimed at bankrolling South Africa’s Covid-19 vaccination programme. Government has set aside 19-point 3 billion rand to fund Covid-19 vaccines, in the interests of saving lives and supporting the economic recovery. No new taxes have been introduced to fund vaccines.

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Smile Staff Reporter
Smile Staff Reporter

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The Western Cape has recorded 15 additional deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 11 098. As of one o’clock this afternoon (Wed 24 Feb) the Western Cape had 4 134 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 274 469 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 259 237 recoveries.
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In spite of calls from the alcohol and tobacco industry to ease excise duties on booze and tobacco, government plans to raise them by 8% for 2021/22. A 340ml can of beer or cider will cost an extra 14 cents, a 750ml bottle of wine will cost an extra 26 cents, a 750ml bottle of sparkling wine an extra 86 cents, a bottle of 750 ml spirits, including whisky, gin or vodka, will increase by R5.50 and a packet of 20 cigarettes will be an extra R1.39.

Two 14-year-olds injured in school stabbing

Smile Staff Reporter -
 Somerset West police are investigating a stabbing at Helderberg High School that left two 14-year-old learners injured on Friday morning, 23 October 2026. The South...

New programme gives learners skills beyond matric

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 The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has allocated R127 million in a new initiative aimed at strengthening technical education and preparing learners for the...

Grade 11 exams crucial to learners’ future prospects – college head

Smile Staff Reporter -
 With the 2026 National Senior Certificate Exams in full swing, the Campus Head at Rosebank International has encouraged Grade 11 students to view their...