Protests in Cape Town outside parliament ahead of the budget speech on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN.
In addition to halting budget cuts, the collective is calling for job creation and significant tax relief for the working class.
Numerous civil society and working-class organisations have converged outside Parliament today ahead of the 2026 Budget Speech.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver this year’s budget at the Dome outside Parliament as South African households continue to navigate a relentlessly rising cost of living.
Just meters away from the venue, hundreds of protesters have gathered to ensure their voices are heard before the Minister takes the podium.
Close to one thousand protesters from various organisations have united under the banner “Cry of the Excluded.” Their primary demand is for the government to reverse its stance on austerity measures.
The demonstration includes members from COSATU, SACP, Equal Education, Housing Assembly and Unite for Change.
In addition to halting budget cuts, the collective is calling for job creation and significant tax relief for the working class.
Siyabulela Mama, spokesperson for Cry of the Excluded, emphasised that the current economic trajectory is unsustainable for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
“We are here today to call for a universal basic income grant that is above the poverty line,” Mama said. “This budget needs to speak to that because, in South Africa, we face a crisis of unemployment.”
Mama added that the collective expects Minister Godongwana to abandon austerity policies, which they argue have left the poor struggling to meet their most basic needs.
A group of public service unions affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is expected to protest against the 9.8% increase in the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) during the National Day of Action on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
The organisations include the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), and the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU).
Speaking to VOC News, COSATU spokesperson Zanele Sabela outlined some of the concerns raised by the unions.
With the filming being from the eye, or snout, view of the animals, viewers of this ad are taken straight into the action.
Adverts for pet food generally have the same script: Pet plays outside, comes inside and stares hungrily at the owner, the owner gives them some food, the pet eats the food, done.
Until now, ad agencies haven’t really felt the need to change up this formula. But Petshop Science, in collaboration with Checkers Sixty60, has just made advertising history in the animal product industry by serving up something totally new.
Petshop Science is South Africa’s fastest-growing pet retailer in the country’s multi-billion-rand market, and its advertising team deserves a medal because they have created the world’s first TV commercial that was shot entirely by pets. Fitted with cameras, dogs, cats and even a parrot film their surroundings inside one of their stores.
The brand decided to hand over creative control to the audience that actually matters: Our pets. The result of this bold experiment was pure, unfiltered curiosity and instinct.
The production team mounted Insta 360 cameras to specially fitted harnesses and collars and then the animals were given free rein of a Petshop Science shop. We are then treated to method acting at its finest, such as darting down aisles, abrupt stops, lazy stretches and extensive sniffing of pet food, treats, toys and essentials.
With the filming being from the eye, or snout, view of the animals, viewers of this ad are taken straight into the action.
This innovative advert – which has a fun “shop it like it’s hot” soundtrack – is to get the word out about their partnership with Checkers Sixty60. Pet owners can now shop for their products in the Sixty60 app and get same-day delivery in scheduled 60-minute timeslots.
It might be a world first, but with such cute results, it’s probably just the first of many more to come. Advertisers, take note!
After 39 years of practising medicine in the community he is proud to call his home, Dr FW Hart is grateful to have healed families, celebrated recoveries, shared in worries, and done his utmost to guide patients through times of sickness and health.
Bluff, South Africa (24 February 2026) – Many have known them as their go-to doctor when they or their loved ones showed the first signs of not feeling well. Dr FW Hart, and affectionately ‘Ricky’ to some, served the community of Bluff, south of Durban, with excellence and heart for more than 39 years.
After practising medicine in a place he’s been proud to call his home, Dr Hart now hangs up his stethoscope as he embarks on retirement.
With a heart full of gratitude, he penned a touching post, titled his “final house call”, reflecting on his professional journey and the community that made it worthwhile.
“This is not just a professional retirement for me; it is a deeply personal transition. The Bluff is where I spent almost all of my life. I walked these same streets as a boy, and I had the unique privilege of learning the art of healing from my father, who possibly served your family before me,” Dr Hart says.
He considers it an honour to have been welcomed into families’ homes as “Ricky” and appreciates his wife, Jan, for walking this journey with him from the very beginning.
“As a nurse and the true organiser of our practice, her care, wisdom, and unwavering support have been its backbone. She juggled the immense demands of the clinic with the beautiful chaos of raising our three children, and this practice would simply not have been possible without her,” he shares.
Photo Credit: Dr FW Hart via Facebook
The good doctor also extends thanks to the many dedicated receptionists who have been the friendly first point of contact for so many patients over the decades.
“Their compassion and efficiency kept our little community hub running.”
This practice has had a few homes. Some may remember its inception at the Checkers shopping centre, before moving to the premises where Oxford Foods now stands and finally settling at 204 Tara Road.
But what always remained consistent was Dr Hart’s heart for people. He did not just treat patients; he cared for families.
Dr Hart has always believed that his ability to help and heal was a gift, and says he is eternally grateful to God for the grace and guidance granted to him in caring for those who attended his practice.
“It has been my humble mission to serve you not just with medicine, but with compassion, and for that, I have been continually assisted by my faith.”
Saying goodbye is bittersweet, he admits.
“While I look forward to more time with my own family and pursuing long-delayed hobbies, I will dearly miss the daily privilege of being your doctor. The relationships we’ve built, the stories we’ve shared, and the trust you’ve placed in me have shaped who I am. You have given me a career of immense purpose and fulfilment.”
While he acknowledges how the medical landscape has changed through the years, he is confident that he leaves the families on the Bluff in good hands. The practice is being handed over to a new doctor who will be starting on 2 May this year.
“Please take the time to come and meet him and give him your support. And so, this is my final “house call” to you all – a note to simply say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives. Thank you for the honour of serving you, just as my father did. The Bluff will always be in my heart.”
May your retirement be as fulfilling as the legacy you leave behind, Dr Hart.
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