Budget Speech 2026: What It Means for Climate Justice and Creation Care
The 2026 National Budget Speech, delivered in Parliament by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, yesterday (25 February 2026), arrives at a defining moment for South Africa. After years of economic strain, the Minister announced what he calls a “turning point” toward stabilising public finances, restoring investor confidence, and rebuilding the credibility of the state.
For Green ELCSA, this budget is more than a financial document, it is a moral text. It invites us to discern how our national priorities align with our call to care for creation, protect the vulnerable, and build a just and sustainable future.
The 2026 Budget Speech contains no major announcements on climate change, renewable energy, adaptation funding, or environmental protection. There is no dedicated climate finance facility, no new carbon taxes or tax incentives, no focused investment in nature restoration or climate resilience, and no explicit reference to the Just Transition.
This omission is deeply concerning because climate disasters are already affecting millions, especially the poor. As the Green ELCSA, we believe that a stable budget that does not prepare for climate impacts is not truly sustainable.
The government plans to increase capital spending, which is good news. But the speech offered no clarity on whether this will include renewable energy infrastructure, water security and climate-resilient agriculture, green jobs programmes for youth, community-based adaptation initiatives, and support for municipalities facing climate damage.
Civil society, including faith movements like Green ELCSA, must now advocate that budgeted infrastructure shifts toward sustainability rather than reinforcing fossil-dependent systems.
The absence of climate ambition in this year’s speech calls the church to respond with prophetic voice, practical action, and more public advocacy. Green ELCSA is already advancing this work through dialogues, youth leadership, creation care initiatives, and community environmental action.